Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumour of Head and Neck: A Systematic Review Plus Meta-Analysis Publisher



Sharifi A ; Zojaji M ; Badragheh N ; Jamali M ; Ghaedsharaf S ; Hamgini MY ; Ghaffari ME ; Samadizadeh S ; Ramadan HH ; Turner MT
Source: Clinical Otolaryngology Published:2026

Abstract

Objectives: This systematic review with meta-analysis is aimed to examine clinical presentations, pathologic and imaging findings, treatment approaches, and prognosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour. Methods: PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Embase were systematically searched up to February 2026. The search strategy was structured by a combination of relevant keywords and medical subheadings. This review adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) statement. Results: A total of 22 studies, including 337 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Most of the tumours originated from the sinonasal space (40.1%, proportion = 163), and the maxilla bone and hypopharynx had the least frequency (0.3%, proportion = 1). The most prevalent manifestations were proptosis and facial pain/swelling. Regarding immunohistochemical findings, tumours were mostly positive for vimentin and SMA, while they were commonly negative for desmin, S-100, anaplastic lymphoma kinase, and CD34. Many patients were treated with surgical resection alone without any recurrence occurring. Recurrence occurred in 21.6% (proportion = 67). Metastases occurred in 8.8% (proportion = 8). Conclusions: The diagnosis of head and neck inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour appears related to the presence of vimentin, SMA, desmin, anaplastic lymphoma kinase, CD34, and S-100 on immunohistochemistry. The enhancement pattern on computed tomography cannot help diagnosis, but absence of calcification may distinguish tumour from other differential diagnoses. Surgical resection with a free margin is the most common treatment approach. Metastasis and malignant transformation rarely occur in this tumour of the head and neck region. © 2026 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.