fibrous histiocytoma

Fibrous Histiocytoma: A Rare Soft Tissue Tumor

Fibrous histiocytoma, also known as benign fibrous histiocytoma, is a rare type of soft tissue tumor that can occur anywhere in the body. It is typically found in the subcutaneous or deep soft tissues and rarely metastasizes.

Characteristics:

• Fibrous histiocytoma is a benign tumor, meaning it is non-cancerous [3].
• It is composed of two cell types: fibroblasts and histiocytes [8].
• The tumor can occur in any part of the body, but it most commonly affects the extremities, such as arms, legs, hands, or feet [7].

Types:

• There are several types of fibrous histiocytoma, including:
  • Benign fibrous histiocytoma: a rare tumor that is composed of two cell types and typically occurs in the subcutaneous or deep soft tissues [8].
  • Malignant fibrous histiocytoma: a type of cancer that can start in either bone or, most often, in the soft tissues [6][9].

References:

• [1] A type of cancer that usually forms in the soft tissue, but it may also form in bone. It can occur anywhere in the body, but it usually occurs in the legs ...
• [3] by DP Kumar · 2016 · Cited by 44 — Fibrous histiocytoma is a benign soft tissue tumour that may present as a fibrous mass anywhere in the human body.
• [7] Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is a rare type of soft tissue tumor. It commonly affects your extremities, such as your arms, legs, hands or feet.
• [8] Benign Fibrous Histiocytoma is a rare tumor of mesenchymal origin. First described in 1958 by Dahlin. They are composed of two cell types.
• [9] A malignant fibrous histiocytoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that can start in either bone or, most often, in the soft tissues.

Fibrous histiocytoma, also known as benign fibrous histiocytoma or angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma, can present with a range of signs and symptoms.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

• Growing lump or area of swelling: This is often the first noticeable symptom, which can occur on the skin or in soft tissues.
• Pain, tingling, and numbness: If the tumor grows very large, it may cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the affected area.
• Swelling over a bone or bony part of the body: In cases where the tumor affects bones, swelling over a bone or a bony part of the body can occur.
• Joint pain: Joint pain is another common symptom, especially if the tumor affects joints or surrounding tissues.

Less Common Symptoms:

• Fever and chills: Some people may experience fever and chills as their immune system responds to the tumor.
• Anemia and weight loss: In rare cases, fibrous histiocytoma can cause anemia and weight loss due to chronic inflammation and tissue damage.

Symptoms Specific to Angiomatoid Fibrous Histiocytoma:

• Proptosis (bulging eyes): This is a common symptom in angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma, where the tumor affects the orbit or surrounding tissues.
• Decreased vision: In some cases, angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma can cause decreased vision due to compression of the optic nerve.

Symptoms Specific to Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma:

• Pain and tenderness: Pain and tenderness are more common symptoms in malignant fibrous histiocytoma, especially if the tumor affects bones or joints.
• Pathologic fracture: In rare cases, malignant fibrous histiocytoma can cause pathologic fractures due to rapid bone destruction.

It's essential to note that not everyone with fibrous histiocytoma will experience symptoms. Some people may have asymptomatic tumors that are discovered incidentally during imaging studies or physical examinations.

References:

• [10] Fibrous histiocytoma is an infrequent type of sarcoma of uncertain basis that appears both in bone and soft tissue.
• [11] What are the early symptoms of malignant fibrous histiocytoma?
• [12] Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of bone is a rare tumor of the bone. Symptoms of osteosarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) are similar and include: ...
• [14] Osteosarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the bone are diseases in which malignant cells form in bone.; Having past treatment with radiation can increase the risk of osteosarcoma.; Signs and symptoms of osteosarcoma and MFH include swelling over a bone or a bony part of the body and joint pain.

Diagnostic Tests for Fibrous Histiocytoma

Fibrous histiocytoma, a type of soft tissue tumor, can be diagnosed through various tests and procedures. Here are some of the diagnostic methods used to diagnose fibrous histiocytoma:

• Visual Examination: A healthcare provider will perform a visual examination to look for any visible signs or symptoms of fibrous histiocytoma.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis. This involves taking a sample of tissue from the affected area and examining it under a microscope.
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans, x-rays, and MRIs may be used to visualize the tumor and determine its size and location.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests may be performed to rule out other conditions or to check for any underlying health issues that may be contributing to the development of fibrous histiocytoma.

Specific Diagnostic Procedures

According to search results [4], orbital CT, MRI, and/or time-resolved contrast kinetics imaging can demonstrate a characteristic lytic lesion with a scl

Differential Diagnosis of Fibrous Histiocytoma

Fibrous histiocytoma, also known as dermatofibroma, is a common benign cutaneous soft-tissue lesion. However, its differential diagnosis includes several other conditions that can mimic its appearance and behavior.

• Malignant fibrous histiocytoma: This is a type of cancer that can be difficult to distinguish from fibrous histiocytoma, especially in its early stages [1]. It requires a thorough examination and diagnostic workup to rule out.
• Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP): DFSP is a rare skin cancer that can be mistaken for fibrous histiocytoma due to its similar appearance [14]. However, it has a more monotonous population of cells with a distinctly storiform architecture and lacks features of conventional fibrous histiocytoma.
• Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma: This is a type of cancer that can be difficult to diagnose and may be mistaken for fibrous histiocytoma [2].
• Tenosynovial giant cell tumor: This is a rare tumor that can occur in the soft tissues, including the skin, and may be mistaken for fibrous histiocytoma due to its similar appearance.
• Solitary fibrous tumor: This is a rare type of cancer that can occur in the soft tissues, including the skin, and may be mistaken for fibrous histiocytoma.

Key Features to Distinguish Fibrous Histiocytoma from Other Conditions

To accurately diagnose fibrous histiocytoma, it's essential to consider its key features, which include:

• Firm subcutaneous nodules
• Benign appearance
• Lack of inflammation
• Low mitotic activity

These features can help distinguish fibrous histiocytoma from other conditions that may be part of its differential diagnosis.

References

[1] CD Fletcher (1990) - The differential diagnosis includes malignant fibrous histiocytoma, dermatofibrosarcoma and hemangiopericytoma. [2] Sep 17, 2022 - Differential diagnosis · undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma · dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans · tenosynovial giant cell tumor · solitary fibrous ... [14] Distinction of DFSP from benign fibrous histiocytoma, especially the cellular variant, is the most common problem in the differential diagnosis.