The Spectrum of Pediatric Fibroblastic and Myofibroblastic Tumors

Fibroblastic and myofibroblastic tumors in neonates, infants, and children provide a diagnostic dilemma in surgical pathology due to their relative rarity and similarity in appearances. These tumors may be congenital or occur early during the first years of life or later during the first and second decades of life. The morphologic, immunocytochemical, ultrastructural, cytogenetic, and molecular features of the more "common" pediatric fibroblastic and myofibroblastic tumors are reviewed. In addition, the importance of a multimodal approach to tumor diagnosis is emphasized, with correlation with treatment and outcome differences among these unique fibroblastic and myofibroblastic tumors. The importance of providing an accurate diagnosis with pediatric fibroblastic and myofibroblastic tumors cannot be overstated, because treatment, prognosis, follow-up, and outcome are based on the initial assessment of these fascinating, but oftentimes, perplexing tumors.

Cervical intra-/extramedullary solitary fibrous tumour

A 53-year-old man presented with a 9-month history of symptoms of right-sided weakness, tingling and hypersentivity to clothes on both sides of the body. MRI revealed a large intraspinal intradural tumour at the level of C3-C4 in the cervical cord. The final histology was a solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) of the cervical spinal cord. The radiological diagnosis, surgical management and histology are reviewed.

[Fibrolamellar carcinoma of the liver]

The paper presents the data available in the literature and theauthors' own case of hepatic fibrolamellar carcinoma developing in a 49-year-old male patient. A complex morphological (histological and immunohistochemical) study has shown that the tumor is presented by trabecular, alveolar, and glandular structures separated by connective tissue interlayers. The tumor cells showed a positive reaction with cytokeratins 7, 8,18, 19, vimentin, synaptophysin, alpha-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, and CA 19-9.

Fibromatous periorchitis

We report a case of diffuse fibrous pseudotumour/fibromatous periorchitis, in a 43 year old male, that completely encased the right testis and was adjacent to a hydrocoele cavity. Although fibrous pseudotumours of this region are uncommon, they are reported to be the second most common benign paratesticular lesion after adenomatoid tumours. These comprise approximately 6 percent of paratesticular lesions, and are accepted as reactive lesions secondary to trauma, hydrocoele, infections or inflammation. Fibrous pseudotumours have a peak incidence in the third decade of life but can occur at any age. Clinically these lesions mimic malignancy resulting in the treatment by radical orchidectomy. Fibrous pseudotumours should be considered in differential diagnosis when one encounters a predominantly fibrocollagenous lesion.

Solitary fibrous tumor arising from stomach: CT findings

Solitary fibrous tumors are spindle-cell neoplasms that usually develop in the pleura and peritoneum, and rarely arise in the stomach. To our knowledge, there is only one case reporting a solitary fibrous tumor arising from stomach in the English literature. Here we report the case of a 26-year-old man with a large solitary fibrous tumor arising from the stomach which involved the submucosa and muscular layer and resembled a gastrointestinal stromal tumor in the stomach, based on what was seen during abdominal computed tomography. A solitary fibrous tumor arising from the stomach, although rare, could be considered as a diagnostic possibility for gastric submucosal tumors.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the oral cavity: the need for an extensive sampling for a correct diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is an uncommon but well-characterized soft tissue tumor that was first described as a pleural lesion and now is considered ubiquitous, having been detected at many extra-pleural sites (abdominal cavity, orbit, upper respiratory tract, and oral cavity). Histologically, SFT may show wide morphological variability of both its cellular and stromal components, which may lead to incorrect diagnosis especially when dealing with small incisional biopsies.

MATERIALS

We report on the clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical features of eight SFT occurring in the oral cavity.

RESULTS

Microscopically all eight tumors showed widely variable morphological features in terms of cellular density and stromal architecture, thus simulating benign fibrous histiocytoma, schwannoma, hemangiopericytoma or low-grade sarcoma in distinct areas of the same lesion. Among these eight cases, five had been diagnosed as SFT, two as benign fibrous histiocytoma and one as low-grade sarcoma.

CONCLUSIONS

In consideration of the heterogeneous morphological appearance of SFT, inaccurate sampling of the mass may lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Therefore, an accurate histological examination of multiple tissue sections is advised, along with the use of appropriate immunostains.

Intracranial solitary fibrous tumors: imaging findings in 6 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Intracranial solitary fibrous tumors (ISFTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms originating in the meninges. The aim of this study was to describe the CT, MR imaging, and angiographic features of the solitary fibrous tumor and to identify imaging characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed CT, MR, and angiographic findings in 6 cases of ISFT. We evaluated the size, shape, and location of the tumor; the internal content and margin of the lesion; the pattern of enhancement; and the change of the adjacent structures. Density on noncontrast CT scans, signal intensity on MR images, and angiographic features were also documented.

RESULTS

Each lesion appeared as a discrete extra-axial mass (size, 3-7 cm; mean, 5 cm). Five lesions were entirely solid, and 1 had peritumoral cyst. All 5 of the noncontrast CT scans showed hyperattenuated masses, and the tumors exhibited marked heterogeneous enhancement. No lesion contained calcification, and 2 cases showed bone invasions. On the MR images, 4 lesions showed mixed signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging. All of the lesions revealed marked heterogeneous enhancement. All of the tumors had thickening of the meninges adjacent to the tumor. Angiography showed delayed tumor blushing in all, and 3 of them had dysplastic dilation of the tumor vessels.

CONCLUSION

Although there are no pathognomonic imaging findings, some imaging features, such as the "black-and-white mixed" pattern on T2-weighted images and marked heterogeneous enhancement, might be helpful in the diagnosis of intracranial solitary fibrous tumor.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pancreas: a case report

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is an unusual mesenchymal neoplasm that most often arises in the pleura; however, it has recently been described in a number of extrapleural sites. This report describes an extremely rare case of a benign SFT arising in the pancreas. A 41-year-old woman presented in the clinic with right upper abdominal pain. Subsequent ultrasonographic studies revealed a 1.5x1.5x1.4 cm hypoechoic mass within the pancreatic body, which was later confirmed on both helical computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging studies. An endocrine tumor was clinically suspected. Laparoscopic enucleation of the mass was performed. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of bland uniform spindle cells arranged between collagen bundles. On immunohistochemical studies, these spindle cells were positive for CD34 and bcl-2 but negative for cytokeratin (AE1+AE3 and Cam5.2), smooth muscle actin, desmin, S-100, and c-kit. Based on the light microscopic morphology and immunohistochemical staining profile, the diagnosis of SFT was rendered.

Epithelioid fibrous papule - a new variant

Fibrous papules (FPs) are common benign lesions occurring most frequently on the nose. Multiple variants have been described, including classic, hypercellular, clear cell, pigmented, pleomorphic, inflammatory and granular FPs. We describe a group of FPs with characteristics that do not easily fit into any of the above categories, with diffuse sheets of distinctive epithelioid cells, causing potential diagnostic confusion. Immunoperoxidase stains show that the cells of this 'epithelioid fibrous papule' are reactive for procollagen, and are negative for NKI/C3, unlike previously described clear cell variants.

Malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the soft tissue: a cytogenetic study

We report on a case of a solitary fibrous tumor that developed in the thigh of an 82-year-old woman. The tumor was composed of areas of high-grade sarcoma and typical solitary fibrous tumor. Its karyotype was: 70,XXX,+X[4],+1[2],add(1)(p36)[4],add(1)[2],+2[4],-3[4],+6[4],add(6)(p11)x2[4],+7[4],+9[3],-11[4],-12[4],-13[4],add(13)(p11)x2[4],-14[4],+15[4],-16[3],-17[4],-19[4],+20,[4],+21[4],+22[2],+mar1x2[4][cp4].

Solitary fibrous tumor of the parapharyngeal space

Solitary fibrous tumors are benign neoplasms of mesenchymal origin. They usually arise from the visceral or parietal pleura and peritoneum, although they have been found in many areas throughout the body. We report a case of solitary fibrous tumor of the parapharyngeal space. Microscopically, the tumor contained spindle cells with areas of marked hypercellularity without a definitepattern. Consistent with a benign lesion, there were few mitoses and no necrosis. The tumor cells stained strongly positive for CD34 and vimentin. At the 2-year follow-up, the patient was well and free of local and/or distant disease.

A solitary fibrous tumor in the broad ligament of the uterus

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare mesenchymal tumor that occurs preferentially in the pleura. Although it has been described at some extrathoracic sites, its occurrence in the female genital tract is extremely rare. We are the first to report on an unusual case of a large (14cm in the largest diameter) SFT localized in the broad ligament of the uterus in a 50-year-old woman. The patient underwent surgical tumor extirpation and has remained well without any sign of local tumor recurrence after 6 years of follow-up. We discuss the clinical aspects, the gross macroscopic appearance, the histologic findings, and the differential diagnosis, and provide a review of the literature.

Large Solitary Fibrous Tumour of the Pleura: Analysis of Six Cases

BACKGROUND

A large solitary fibrous tumour of the pleura (SFTP) is a very rare occurrence. The aim of this study was to retrospectively review the clinical characteristics, surgical treatment and outcome of patients with a large SFTP operated on in our General Thoracic Surgery Unit.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical records of six patients who underwent surgery for a huge SFTP between 1998 and 2004.

RESULTS

Six patients (four men and two women, mean age 73.3 years) with a large SFTP (mean diameter 20.3 and mean weight 1265 g) underwent surgery during this period with full excision of the tumour. Five tumours were excised together with the implantation basis, and in one case extended resection with pneumonectomy was performed. The presentation symptoms resolved in all cases after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the huge size of these tumours (giant SFTP), surgical resection is an acceptable method of treatment in elderly patients with low morbidity and mortality rates.

Case of retroperitoneal solitary fibrous tumor

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the retroperitoneal space is rare. We report a case of retroperitoneal tumor, diagnosed as SFT. A 69-year-old woman presented with right lower abdominal swelling, and was referred to our hospital with suspicion of right renal tumor. Abdominal ultrasound and computerized tomography (CT) showed a mass (about 15 x 14 x 10 cm) in the right abdomen. The tumor was thought to be right renal rumor, and right radical nephrectomy was performed. In the excised specimen the tumor was not connected to gastrointestinal tract, peritoneum, or right kidney. The histological and immunohistochemical examination of the specimen revealed SFT. The tumor has malignant potential with partially increased mitotic activity and cellularity in the histological examination. The patient is healthy and without evidence of recurrence or metastasis 26 months from surgery.

Solitary fibrous tumour: a diagnostic dilemma

Solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) is a rare spindle cell neoplasm arising at pleural and extrapleural sites. Five cases of SFT diagnosed at our institution over a five year period were reviewed. Haematoxylin and eosin stained histological sections, immuno-histochemical markers including CD34 and electron microscopy were the different methods used to study these tumours. Three histological features were consistently observed in all the tumours: the tumours were composed of short spindle cells separated by dense collagen bands and arranged in alternate hypocellular and hypercellular areas. CD34 positivity was seen in all the cases. SFT's have been reported to behave in an unpredictable fashion and hence prolonged follow up is essential. Histology, CD34 positivity and electron microscopy are useful tools in diagnosing SFT. While the pleural tumours can be diagnosed based on histology, this must be substantiated by ancillary techniques in case of extrapleural tumours.

Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Female Genital Tract A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Originally thought to be limited to mesothelial-lined surfaces, solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) has now been reported in numerous extrathoracic sites. The female genital tract is among the rarest reported sites involving SFT, and only a handful of cases have been described. Although features pointing to a more malignant biological behavior have been described, these tumors remain unpredictable in their clinical course. We present a case of primary SFT originating in the vulva of a 45-year-old woman, only the fourth such case and only the ninth case of primary SFT of the female genital tract. The tumor presented as a 60-mm, well-circumscribed, painless lump and comprised bland spindle cells in a collagenized stroma with hypercellular and hypocellular foci. Immunohistochemically, the spindle cells were strongly positive for CD34, Bcl 2, and vimentin, with focal positivity for CD99. Immunohistochemical staining for MNF116, desmin, smooth muscle actin, ER, PR, and S100 was negative. There has been no recurrence after 6 months. We discuss the principal differential diagnoses of spindle cell mesenchymal tumors of the vulva and review the previously published cases of primary SFTs originating in the female genital tract. We also stress the importance of informing clinicians involved in these cases of the potential for an unpredictable clinical outcome.

[Solitary fibrous tumor of the nose and paranasal sinuses]

OBJECTIVE

The solitary fibrous tumor is an uncommon, benign lesion with a mesenchymal origin which arises most commonly from the pleura and, in extremely rare cases, from the mucosa of the nose and paranasal sinuses.

PATIENT AND METHODS

We describe a case of solitary fibrous tumor in the nasal cavity with an extension into both ethmoid sinuses and destruction of the nasal septum in a 64-year-old woman presenting with nasal obstruction and frontal headache. In the histopathologic examination and by immunohistochemistry, the tumor was composed of spindle cells and nodular collagen, and was confirmed as a solitary fibrous tumor. It was completely removed using an endonasal approach with the patient being free of any complaints and without evidence of disease 2 years after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Solitary fibrous tumor should be included in diagnostic considerations in patients with sinonasal masses, especially in cases with the appearance of spindle cells. Diagnostic procedures, clinicopathological features, therapeutic options and prognosis of the such tumors are discussed.

Solitary Fibrous Tumor on Needle Biopsy and Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

One of the least commonly encountered spindle cell tumors seen on prostatic needle biopsy or transurethral resection (TUR) of the prostate is solitary fibrous tumor (SFT). We studied 13 cases of SFTs identified on either prostate needle biopsy (n=9) or TUR of the prostate (n=4). Mean patient age at diagnosis was 63 years (range: 46 to 75 y; median: 65 y). Twelve men presented with urinary tract symptoms and 1 patient was biopsied during work-up of bone metastases. Ten cases were SFTs originating in the prostate, 2 cases arose between the prostate and rectum extending into the prostate (n=2), and 1 case was a pelvic mass without infiltration of the prostate. In 9 cases, a complete tumor resection was attempted by cystoprostatectomy (n=2), radical prostatectomy (n=4), pelvic exenteration (n=2), or pelvic tumor resection (n=1). Enucleation (n=1) and TUR (n=1) were performed in 2 other cases. Tumor sizes ranged from 8.5 to 15 cm in 7 radically resected cases. Mitotic rates were 3 to 5 per 10 high power fields in 5 cases, with the remaining cases having either rare (n=4) or no mitoses (n=4). Seven cases demonstrated areas of necrosis. Based on a combination of increased cellularity, mitotic activity, necrosis, nuclear pleomorphism, and infiltrativeness, 4 prostatic SFTs were malignant, 4 were benign, and 2 were borderline. Of the 3 non-prostatic SFTs, 1 was malignant and 2 were borderline. All tumors but 1 were immunoreactive for CD34 (n=12). Material for additional immunohistochemistry was available for the majority of cases with positive stains for Bcl-2 (11/11), CD99 (7/10), beta-catenin (5/10), and c-kit (0/11). Three SFTs demonstrated >or=10% p53 immunoreactivity including 1 tumor with 50% positivity; and 3 cases had Ki-67 rates of >or=20%. Although all SFTs were initially clinically considered to be of prostatic origin, some of the cases arose in the pelvis with secondary involvement of the prostate. Approximately 50% of prostatic SFTs were malignant. Even in the prostatic and nonprostatic SFTs with no overt malignant features, sometimes it was necessary to remove the prostate and in some instances the adjacent organs because of the large size of the tumors. SFTs must be differentiated from other spindle cell neoplasms of the prostate especially from gastrointestinal stromal tumors that may arise from the rectal wall with invasion of the prostate or from the region between the rectum and the prostate.

Giant pelvic solitary fibrous tumor obstructing intestinal and urinary tract: a case report and literature review

We are reporting a giant pelvic neoplasm, a rare solitary fibrous tumor that presented with a large bowel obstruction and bilateral ureteral obstruction because of its size and location. Preoperative diagnosis required complex pathological studies to exclude a high-grade sarcoma suspected clinically. Complete resection was required for resolution of obstructive symptoms. Prognosis for solitary fibrous tumors is usually good after complete resection. Recurrence and metastasis may be related to rare aggressive histological features, including nuclear atypia, hypercellularity, greater than four mitoses/10 high power fields, and necrosis. Because histology is not always a reliable predictor of prognosis, careful long-term follow-up is necessary for this tumor. Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare spindle cell neoplasms most likely arising from mesenchymal cells. SFTs were originally described in the pleura, the most common site for this tumor; however, extrathoracic SFTs are seemingly diagnosed with increased frequency. We report a case of a giant pelvic SFT that required complicated clinical management.

Intrapulmonary Solitary Fibrous Tumor Diagnosed by Immunohistochemical and Genetic Approaches: Report of a Case

Although solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) of the pleura are not uncommon, intrapulmonary SFTs are extremely rare. A 72-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for an investigation of an enlarging intrapulmonary tumor. Because a definitive diagnosis could not be readily established, a pulmonary wedge resection under video-assisted thoracic surgery was performed. Grossly, the tumor was white, well circumscribed, and separate from the pleural surface. Histologically, it consisted of spindle cells proliferating in a vague fascicular pattern, with many dilated capillaries, and intermingled glandular components. These findings suggested a differential diagnosis that included SFT and nonchondromatous pulmonary hamartoma. On immunohistochemical analysis, the spindle cells showed a strong positive reaction to the CD34 antigen. Interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization revealed an absence of HMGA-1 and -2 translocations. These results supported a diagnosis of SFT. A genetic approach may therefore be useful in the differentiation of SFT from nonchondromatous hamartoma.

[The clinicopathological features and surgical treatment of solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinicopathological features and surgical treatment of solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (SFTP).

METHODS

The clinical, radiological and pathological features of 11 cases of SFTP were analyzed. The detection of immunohistochemistry, surgical treatment and follow-up data were also reviewed.

RESULTS

The group consisted of 6 males and 5 females, age ranging from 35 to 73 years (mean 53.7 years). Clinical findings were mainly cough, chest pain and other local symptoms. Five cases had pleural effusion. Surgical excision was performed by thoracotomy in 6 patients, by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in 3 patients, and by VATS plus a small thoracotomy in 2 patients. Eight cases received tumor resection by wedge resection of the lung, and the other 3 patients by middle and lower lobe resection, lower lobe resection and chest wall tumor resection, respectively. Nine tumors were located in the visceral pleura, 1 tumor below the visceral pleura, and 1 tumor in parietal pleura. Histopathologically, SFTP consisted mainly of spindle-shaped cells which were diffusely distributed. There were abundant gross collagenous fibers and thick-walled blood vessels around tumor cells. Malignant tumors displayed high cell density, nuclear atypia and patho-karyokinesis. The tumor cells were stained with vimentin (100%, 11/11), CD(34) (100%, 11/11), CD(99) (63.6%, 7/11), and bcl-2 (63.6%, 7/11), but no expression of CD(31). Of the 11 cases, 9 were histologically diagnosed as benign SFTP, 1 as cell-abundant type of SFTP, and another as malignant SFTP. One patient died of multiple organ failure after surgery. The mean duration of hospital stay after surgery was 11 days. Follow-up visit results were available for 10 cases. The follow-up time ranged from 12 to 48 months and all patients remained well without recurrence or metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

SFTP should be considered when chest X-ray and CT showed single nodule or mass in the pleura. The diagnosis is based on examination of histopathology and immunohistochemistry. For a tumor with a diameter les than 5 cm, resection by VATS or VATS plus small thoracotomy is a good surgical procedure.

Advanced malignant solitary fibrous tumor in pelvis responding to radiation therapy

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare spindle cell neoplasm that is benign in most cases. Although SFT was first recognized to arise only in the pleura, recent reports indicate that SFT can involve a wide range of anatomical sites. To date, 17 cases of pelvic SFT have been reported. Herein is reported a case of a 74-year-old woman with a giant malignant SFT in the pelvis. Along with massive invasion to adjacent organs and multiple lung metastases detected on radiography, biopsy from the tumor through the vaginal wall showed malignant looking spindle-cell neoplasm with increased cellularity, areas of necrosis, and high mitotic activity (5/10 high-power fields). Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were diffusely and strongly positive for CD34, CD99, and bcl-2. Based on pathological features and clinical presentation, diagnosis of malignant SFT was made. The patient received systemic and the intra-arterial chemotherapy followed by whole pelvic radiation therapy (50 Gy). Initial chemotherapies failed to control the tumor. Afterwards, improvement was observed radiologically and pathologically in the 12 months' follow up after the radiation therapy. This is the first report related to therapeutic remarks on advanced malignant SFT.