Malignant fibrous tumors

Epidemiology and survival factors of appendicular myxofibrosarcoma: a SEER-retrospective study

Background

The low incidence of myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) makes high power studies difficult to perform. Demographic and prognostic factors for MFS and how they differ from all extremity soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to characterize a large cohort of patients with MFS and evaluate epidemiologic and survival factors when compared to all STS.

Materials and methods

We performed a retrospective review of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2000 to 2015 to identify 1,440 patients diagnosed with MFS and 12,324 with STS. Survival curves were creased using Kaplan-Meier, and Cox regression analyses were performed to identify hazard ratios (HRs).

Results

Overall survival was greater for STS than MFS (79% vs. 67%). Patients with MFS had a higher average age at diagnosis than STS (62 vs. 56), and older age was strongly associated with decreased survivorship for MFS (HR = 7.94). A greater proportion of patients under 30 diagnosed with MFS were female when compared to STS (49.6% vs. 45.4%). The incidence of MFS and STS increased over the 15-year period, with MFS increasing at a greater rate than STS (1.25% vs. 2.59%). Survival increased for patients diagnosed after 2008 for both STS (9.4%) and MFS (13.2%).

Conclusions

There are differences between patient demographics and survival factors when comparing MFS to all STS. Monitoring changes in demographic and survival trends for rare STS subtypes like MFS is important to improve diagnostic algorithms and treatment options.

Clinical update on cutaneous and subcutaneous sarcomas

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous sarcomas are uncommon cancers that can have a wide range of clinical symptoms and lead to considerable cutaneous as well as systemic morbidity.

AIM

The objective of this review article is to discuss epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and therapy of different types of cutaneous sarcomas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Literature was screened to retrieve articles from PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar and related websites. Cross-references from the relevant articles were also considered for review. Review articles, clinical studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and relevant information from selected websites were included.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Cutaneous sarcomas have a negative effect on the quality of life. In their diagnosis, clinical presentation and histological evaluation are crucial. Complete surgical removal is the solution for more or less all cutaneous and subcutaneous sarcomas. The prognosis for cutaneous sarcomas is generally favorable since they tend to recur locally with distant metastases only on rare occasions. Patients having advanced disease should be treated in the setting of clinical trials if possible; choices include radiation therapy and systemic medicines. The value of innovative immunotherapy cannot be determined decisively at this time due to a paucity of relevant trials.

CONCLUSION

As cutaneous sarcomas are rarely diagnosed based on clinical findings, histology plays an important role in the diagnosis. They have a relatively favorable prognosis if treated properly. Patients should be treated at specialized centres.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the floor of mouth: a case report and review of the literature

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in late adulthood and usually occurs in the limbs, trunk, and peritoneum. Less than 10% of MFH cases occur in the head and neck region. The clinical manifestations and pathological features of MFH are atypical, and it is difficult to make a clinical diagnosis. We describe a rare case of MFH of the floor of mouth and provide our diagnosis and treatment experiences. Through this review, we also evaluate the origin, World Health Organization (WHO) classification, clinical presentations, pathological features, treatment methods, and prognosis of MFH. MFH may originate from fibroblasts or primitive mesenchymal cells. MFH was defined as undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma in the 2002 WHO classification of bone and soft tissue tumors. The most common manifestation of MFH is a painless enlarging nodule, often without overlying epidermal ulcers. Jaw lesions are usually found after displays of swelling, pain, paresthesia, and loose teeth. MFH is composed of pleomorphic spindle cells, usually with hemorrhage, necrosis, and lymphocyte infiltration. The main treatment method is surgical resection. Moreover, radiotherapy and chemotherapy have certain auxiliary effects. The local recurrence and distant metastasis of MFH are common, and the prognosis is poor. Therefore, determining the histopathological features of MFH and conducting appropriate immunohistochemical examinations are crucial in establishing the correct diagnosis. In-depth study is required in order to have a better understanding of head and neck MFH.

Conception and Management of a Poorly Understood Spectrum of Dermatologic Neoplasms: Atypical Fibroxanthoma, Pleomorphic Dermal Sarcoma, and Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma

OPINION STATEMENT

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) tumors share many clinical, etiologic, and histologic features and likely represent components of a tumor spectrum. In dermatologic oncology, differentiating between AFX and PDS is pivotal as tumors with histological features consistent with PDS are more likely to behave in a clinically aggressive manner. Importantly, the term "pleomorphic dermal sarcoma" (PDS) is a more appropriate designation than "undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma" (UPS) for describing deeper, more aggressive, histologically high-grade cutaneous tumors that otherwise resemble AFX. Surgery remains the gold standard for treatment. In the setting of AFX, excision with the Mohs micrographic technique appears to offer superior tumor control rates while maintaining greater tissue preservation over wide local excision and should be considered first line. In the setting of PDS, optimal management is less clear given the paucity of available data. However, due to its greater propensity to recur and metastasize, extirpation with complete tumor margin control appears paramount. The roles of imaging and SLNB in management and clinical outcomes of AFX and PDS are unclear given the lack of available data. In reality, these tools are unlikely to be helpful in most cases of AFX. However, in the setting of PDS, emerging literature indicates that these tumors are inherently higher risk, and thus, imaging and SLNB may be helpful in select cases. Additionally, radiation therapy may be of adjuvant benefit for these tumors when clear surgical margins cannot be obtained. While traditional chemotherapy has been largely ineffectual, the recent discovery of key oncogenetic mutations has allowed for the identification of several potential molecular drug targets that may have a therapeutic role with future study. In the unfortunate setting of metastatic disease, a multidisciplinary approach is optimal. Further studies are needed to establish definitive conclusions regarding risk stratification and best management practices.

Borderline Sarcomas and Smooth Muscle Tumours of Uncertain Malignant Potential

Borderline sarcomas and smooth muscle tumours of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) have an unpredictable clinical behaviour with frequent local recurrences and rarely, metastases. We review the current management of common subtypes of borderline sarcomas and STUMP.

Malignant cutaneous adnexal tumours of the head and neck: an update on management

Adnexal tumours form a heterogeneous group of relatively rare neoplasms. Many of them have a poor prognosis and treatment can sometimes be difficult and controversial. We summarise the latest publications relating to malignant cutaneous adnexal tumours of the head and neck, and give an update on their management. We discuss Merkel cell carcinoma and other rare malignant adnexal tumours including dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and atypical fibroxanthoma.

Surgical management of giant secondary malignant fibrous histiocytoma following radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A case report and literature review

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is rare in the chest wall, particularly in patients who have undergone radiotherapy for primary nasopharyngeal cancer. In the present study, a case of MFH of the upper chest wall that appeared four years after initial radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx is reported. Furthermore, two-step surgical management was successfully performed consisting of i) tumor-reductive excision and ii) limb salvage surgery, including wide resection of the tumor mass, defect reconstruction of the chest wall using left latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and dermatoplasty of the flap-supplied region. The progress of the clinical characteristics, the reasons for radiation-induced carcinogenesis, the treatment options and the prognostic factors of MFH are also reviewed. Finally, the importance of prevention and follow-up of this malignancy are highlighted and specific advice is offered.

A primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the scalp and intracranial tumor bleeding: a case report

INTRODUCTION

A malignant fibrous histiocytoma occurring on the scalp near a primary operation site is extremely rare.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 74-year-old Chinese man presented with a one-month history of recurrent headaches, vomiting and left limb atony. He had undergone a successful clipping operation through the pterional approach for an anterior communicating aneurysm five years previously. One month before presentation, he developed a headache without apparent cause that was especially severe in the right frontal region. He also had a small tumor on the right side of his forehead at the original incision site. The tumor had gradually increased from soybean size to egg size in one month; this growth was accompanied by nausea, projectile vomiting of gastric contents and left limb atony. The subcutaneous tumor was totally resected along with some affected cranial tissues. Our patient's postoperative recovery was good, and he was safely discharged 20 days after the surgery. He was free of recurrence over two years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Dissection of the temporal muscles and deep fascia using electric resection and electrocoagulation through the pterional approach may cause tissue degeneration, which may in turn lead to cancer development. In our patient's case, the reason for the development of the tumor five years after his surgical aneurysm repair was unclear; it may have represented a primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the scalp that had no relationship to the operation. We followed up our patient for two years and he had no tumor recurrence. Because malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the scalp has a high degree of malignancy and readily recurs in situ, early diagnosis and radical surgical resection are key to a successful outcome.

Reconsidering the diagnostic and prognostic utility of LN-2 for undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and atypical fibroxanthoma

The topic of distinguishing atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) from undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), formerly malignant fibrous histiocytoma, is highly controversial. Although their clinical behavior is disparate, AFX and UPS commonly appear nearly identical on routine histopathologic examination. Although conceptually useful, subcategorization of UPS into superficial (confined to the dermis and subcutaneous tissue) and deep (involvement of fascia and deeper structures) types has not improved our ability to differentiate UPS from AFX. Numerous authors have purported LN-2 (CD74) immunopositivity as able to distinguish UPS from AFX and to predict those rare AFX likely to behave aggressively, although only a single prior study has been dedicated to evaluating this marker. We performed LN-2 staining of 14 AFX, 8 superficial UPS, and 65 deep UPS specimens using an identical protocol as described by prior authors. Of the 73 total UPS specimens, only 1 (1.4%) stained strongly with LN-2, as compared with 3 of 14 (21%) AFX (P = 0.012). One of 2 (50%) clinically aggressive AFX tumors that later exhibited both local recurrence and metastasis stained strongly for LN-2, whereas 2 of 12 (17%) of the more indolent tumors stained strongly with this marker (P = 0.40). Our data do not replicate prior reports of LN-2 as a sensitive and specific marker for UPS, or as indicative of prognosis for AFX, and therefore does not support the use of LN-2 as either a diagnostic or prognostic marker.

Myxofibrosarcoma: a diagnostic pitfall

Abstract

Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is a variant of the group of malignant fibrous histiocytomas. It is one of the most aggressive types of soft tissue neoplasms. The clinical presentation is not pathognomonic and the histological aspects are highly heterogenous, frequently delaying the diagnosis or leading to misdiagnosis. Complementary histochemical and immunohistochemical stainings are mandatory to achieve the diagnosis of MFS. A 78-year-old male patient is presented illustrating this diagnostic pitfall. Extensive surgery followed by radiotherapy is the first choice treatment.

A case of atypical fibroxanthoma of subungual type: ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging findings

Subungual atypical fibroxanthoma is a rare mesenchymal skin tumor of intermediate malignancy. It classically presents as a relatively nondescript, erythematous nodule; it may ulcerate and bleed, but pain and pruritus are uncommon. In the differential diagnoses of subungual tumors, glomus tumor, soft tissue chondroma, keratoacanthoma, hemangioma, lobular capillary hemangioma, epidermal and mucoid cysts, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma have been suggested. But atypical fibroxanthoma has not been included in the differential diagnoses. We report a case that occurred in a 56-year-old man with subungual atypical fibroxanthoma mimicking malignant soft tissue tumor in the right fifth toe.

Uncommon cutaneous neoplasms of the head and neck

This article concentrates on the less-common cutaneous malignancies such as merkel cell, atypical fibroxanthoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, microcystic adnexal carcinoma, and sebaceous carcinoma. The clinical and histopathologic descriptions of each, most current and emerging etiologies, diagnosis, staging, treatment, and prognosis are discussed.

Primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the abdominal cavity: CT findings and pathological correlation

AIM: To study computed tomography (CT) features of abdominal malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) in various rare locations.

METHODS: We retroprospectively identified cases of MFH involving the abdominal cavity. Particular attention was paid to details regarding imaging features and histological types.

RESULTS: The study population consisted of seven men and one woman, with a mean age of 52.5 years. Seven patients had some physical symptoms, while one was incidentally detected. The sites of origin were liver (n = 3), greater omentum (n = 1), superior mesentery (n = 1), ileum (n = 1), right psoas muscle (n = 1) and right kidney (n = 1). With the exception of the ileum lesion, all were of huge size. The contour of the lesions was more or less clear. Foci of necrosis were present in six lesions (n = 6). On plain CT scan, all lesions were hypo to iso dense. The lesion in the greater omentum was cystic. One lesion (n = 1) showed significant enhancement and the cystic lesion showed mild peripheral enhancement. An abundance of blood vessels surrounding the mass was seen in two lesions (n = 2) and both were of the inflammatory variety. Pathological examination revealed storiform-pleomorphic variety (n = 4), inflammatory variety (n = 3) and myxoid variety (n = 1). Two of the patients with inflammatory MFH had a clinical presentation of fever and one was afebrile, however, blood investigations in all three showed leukocytosis.

CONCLUSION: Primary MFHs of the abdominal viscera and gastrointestinal tract are generally huge soft tissue masses containing areas of low attenuation and mild to moderate contrast enhancement.

The important role of radiotherapy in patients with non-melanoma skin cancer and other cutaneous entities

Non-melanoma skin cancer is the commonest malignancy worldwide and a significant public health issue. Although most non-melanoma skin cancers are small and easily excised or ablated, a recommendation of definitive radiotherapy is often made in patients where the outcome (cosmetic and/or functional) will probably be better with radiotherapy compared to surgery. The aim of adjuvant radiotherapy is to reduce the risk of loco-regional recurrence and the role of palliative radiotherapy is important in improving the quality of life in patients with advanced and/or incurable disease. The aim of this review article is to broadly discuss the various clinical settings in which a recommendation of radiotherapy may be made and also includes a discussion on less frequently encountered cutaneous entities (e.g. in situ squamous cell carcinoma, keratocanthoma, lentigo maligna, cutaneous lymphomas and malignant fibrous tumours).

Successful treatment of malignant fibrous histiocytoma originating in the chest wall: report of a case

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) rarely originates in the chest wall, so its clinical features are not well defined. We report a case of MFH that recurred locally 3 years after primary resection. The patient, a 59-year-old woman, underwent wide excision, and is alive without recurrence 7 months after the operation. We reviewed the clinical features and treatment strategies of the total 39 cases of MFH originating in the chest wall reported from Japan. The fact that all patients who underwent wide excision with negative margins at the primary operation were alive without recurrence at the time of each report, despite a local recurrence rate as high as 40%, shows the importance of this operative strategy. Thus, early diagnosis of MFH of the chest wall is essential for improving the outcome of these patients. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus radiation therapy may be worthwhile for patients with advanced disease.

Soft-tissue sarcomas of the head and neck: a retrospective analysis of the Alberta experience 1974 to 1999

BACKGROUND

Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) of the head and neck constitute a heterogeneous group of rare malignant tumors occurring in an uncommon site. The most common subtypes of STS in the head and neck are malignant fibrous histiocytoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and fibrosarcoma. Evidence based subtype-specific treatment decisions are often not possible.

METHODS

The medical records of 110 patients diagnosed with head and neck sarcomas were reviewed. All were treated at one of the two major Cancer Centers in Alberta, Canada, between 1974 and 1999. Potential prognostic factors including age, sex, tumor size, histology, grade, tumor location (superficial or deep), and use of adjuvant treatment were evaluated. Cox proportional hazards models were developed to study the impact of these covariates on survival.

RESULTS

The median duration of follow-up was 61.5 months. Five year overall, disease specific, and relapse free survival were 65.8%, 83.4%, and 74.2%, respectively. With use of a Cox proportional-hazards model, tumor stage and grade were important prognostic factors affecting survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor size and grade were important prognostic factors affecting survival. Tumor location in relation to the superficial fascia (depth) was the best predictor of outcome. The overall and disease-free survival in this patient group was excellent. However, this likely caused by the high proportion of patients with low-grade tumors in our study.

Smallpox vaccination site complications

The typical resolution of the smallpox vaccination site is a smooth scar, a sequela that is discussed during prevaccination counseling. In addition, other types of lesion may develop at the scar site, including short- or long-term benign and malignant changes, as reviewed below. Although current recommendations do not discuss potential scar complications or scar surveillance, healthcare providers would benefit from an awareness of these potential complications, and should consider periodic scar surveillance as part of a general physical examination.

Cutaneous carcinosarcoma: adnexal vs. epidermal types define high- and low-risk tumors. Results of a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

We report four cases of cutaneous carcinosarcoma (CS) and perform a meta-analysis of the cutaneous CS literature.

RESULTS

CS occurred in elderly patients (mean of 80 years) on sun-damaged skin, and were keratotic papules of short duration. They did not recur after excision. CS exhibited basal cell carcinoma mixed with atypical fibroxanthoma cell populations. Immunophenotyping revealed vimentin+/keratin- spindle cells and vimentin-/keratin+ epithelial cells. Three cases exhibited p53 protein expression of both carcinomatous and sarcomatous components. Literature review identified 38 cases of cutaneous CS that could be broadly classified into two distinct groups. Epidermal-derived (basal or squamous cell carcinoma epithelial component) CS arose on the sun-damaged skin of the head and neck of elderly males (mean age 72 years) and had a 70% 5-year disease-free survival. In contrast, adnexal CS (spiradenocarcinoma, porocarcinoma, proliferating tricholemmal cystic carcinoma, or matrical carcinoma) occurred in younger patients (mean age 58 years), showed recent growth in a long-standing nodule and had a 25% 5-year disease-free survival. Age less than 65 years, recent growth, long-standing skin tumor, and tumor size greater than 2 cm significantly correlated with poor outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Cutaneous CS is an aggressive skin cancer with high risk for advanced disease. Significant risk factors exist whose identification will allow for better management of CS patients.

A giant malignant fibrous histiocytoma on the scalp

Malignant fibrosis histiocytoma (MFH) is one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas of adult life. The most common sites of origin are the proximal extremities, particularly the thigh and buttock. The tumors are multilobular fleshy masses, often apparently circumscribed on gross examination. We report a case of a MFH of the head in a 57-year-old woman. Our case is clinically unusual in that the tumor rapidly grew up to 15 cm in a very short time.

Superficial malignant fibrous histiocytoma presenting as recurrent atypical fibroxanthoma

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) are neoplasms of probable fibrohistiocytic lineage. The precise relationship between AFX and MFH remains controversial. We present two cases in which a lesion was excised from the face of an elderly person and reported as AFX. Both cases recurred within 12 months and were reclassified as MFH. They were excised with slow Mohs' micrographic surgery, with adjuvant radiotherapy in one case. In the other, a further recurrence was treated with orbital exenteration and radiotherapy. We review the difficulties in differentiating between AFX and MFH and the implications for treatment.

Diagnosis and management of uncommon cutaneous cancers

Uncommon types of cutaneous cancers are mainly cited in the literature as case reports and their etiology, pathogenesis and prognosis have to be surmised because of their rarity. Within this group exist the rare and also the unusual, for instance a relatively common carcinoma arising in a strange circumstance. Initial management of such tumors involves taking a history and performing a thorough examination, allowing a diagnosis to be made. These tend to follow one of three patterns: the lesion is confidently recognized; the lesion is unknown but a likely diagnosis can be made and; the lesion is unknown. It is within the latter two groupings that the uncommon cutaneous cancers exist. A biopsy is then performed to confirm the diagnosis. For large lesions a punch or incisional biopsy is taken which must include a portion of normal skin at the lesion edge. If the lesion is small enough to allow direct closure, an excision biopsy is performed, with a minimum margin of 2mm. Shave biopsy can be employed to confirm a diagnosis, but care must be taken that the subsequent management of the lesion is not adversely affected. With the rare tumors diagnosis can be difficult and there may not be enough tissue in a biopsy for a definitive diagnosis. The whole lesion may therefore need to be excised to obtain a confident diagnosis with further surgical treatment planned as required. Once the diagnosis is established a decision on the method of treatment can be made. The limited literature would suggest that rare skin tumors are unresponsive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, so the mainstay of treatment is surgery. When there are no established guidelines for the treatment of a particular rare tumor a pathologist can usually provide advice as to the probable nature of the lesion. This allows surgical treatment to be positioned into one of three main groups: lesions that behave like basal cell carcinomas (BCC); lesions that behave like squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and; lesions that behave like soft tissue sarcomas (STS). It is helpful to have a management plan into which each variety of rare tumor can be fitted, giving guidance as to the best and most appropriate management. Grouping treatment into BCC, SCC or STS-like treatment has been useful. As more becomes known regarding these malignancies their subsequent management can be adjusted accordingly. Currently, it would appear wise to treat each under a broader subgroup.

Atypical fibroxanthoma

This is the first case report of atypical fibroxanthoma in the otolaryngology literature. Atypical fibroxanthoma is a rare fibrohistiocytic tumor that occurs on actinically damaged skin. The typical presentation is a nodular lesion in sun-exposed areas of the head and neck in an elderly patient. Differentiating atypical fibroxanthoma from other soft tissue sarcomas, such as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and malignant fibrous histiocytoma, can be difficult. Treatment should be wide local excision with a 1-cm margin. In cosmetically important regions in which tissue preservation is important, Mohs' surgery should be considered.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the vulva: a case report and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to describe the management of a patient with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) of the vulva and to review the literature.

METHODS

A 39-year-old was referred by a district hospital for incomplete excision of a vulval mass. The lesion involved the left labium major and measured 8 x 12 cm. The lesion was reexcised with a 3-cm margin of normal skin.

RESULTS

The patient made an uneventful postoperative recovery. Histology confirmed a diagnosis of DFSP with clear margins. Immunohistochemistry was positive for CD34 glycoprotein.

CONCLUSIONS

DFSP of the vulva is a rare fibrous tumor of intermediate grade malignancy, with a tendency for local recurrence. However, it rarely metastasizes. Management should be multidisciplinary and Mohs' micrographic surgery is generally advocated to ensure precise margin control. Survival rates range from 91 to 100%, and local recurrence rates of 20 to 49% have been reported. Therefore close follow-up is recommended.