Rapidly Growing Nodular Fasciitis in the Cheek of an Infant: Case Report of a Rare Presentation

Objective: Nodular fasciitis is a benign proliferative spindle-cell lesion found in the subcutaneous fascia that presents as a rapidly growing mass with rich cellularity and mitotic activity, leading to it frequently being mistaken for a sarcoma. Histomorphologic features and immunohistochemical profile are useful in proper diagnosis. The treatment is complete excision, and recurrence is uncommon. A rare presentation and treatment of nodular fasciitis in the cheek of an infant is described here. Methods: The lesion was resected by direct transcutaneous approach, and the skin was closed with 2 layers of purse-string polydioxanone sutures followed by fast-absorbing gut sutures to reapproximate the epidermis. Results: Postoperatively, the patient had a wound dehiscence on the cheek, which healed secondarily with wound care. A small area of palpable tumor unable to be resected remained stable after 4 months of follow-up, and facial nerve function was preserved. Conclusions: Although infrequent in both children and the oral mucosa, nodular fasciitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of facial tumors in infants and young children.