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Soft tissue aneurysmal bone cyst: a clinicopathologic study of five cases
G Petur Nielsen1, Christopher D M Fletcher, Michael A Smith
1James Homer Wright Pathology Laboratories, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. gnielsen@partners.org
The American Journal of Surgical Pathology
|January 5, 2002
Summary
This study identifies rare soft tissue aneurysmal bone cysts with bone cyst-like features. These benign tumors can be successfully treated with simple excision, distinct from other bone and giant cell tumors.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Oncology
- Histopathology
Background:
- Primary soft tissue tumors can mimic intraosseous lesions.
- Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are typically found within bone, but similar histologic features can occur in soft tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinicopathologic features of primary soft tissue tumors histologically identical to intraosseous aneurysmal bone cysts.
- To differentiate these soft tissue ABCs from other bone-forming and giant cell-containing tumors.
Main Methods:
- Histologic examination of five primary soft tissue tumors.
- Gross and microscopic analysis, including size, location, and cellular composition.
- Cytogenetic analysis of one tumor specimen.
Main Results:
- Five cases (3 female, 2 male; ages 8-37) of soft tissue ABCs were identified in deep soft tissues.
- Tumors presented as rapidly growing masses (2.5-9 cm) with hemorrhagic cystic spaces and fibrous septa containing fibroblasts, giant cells, and woven bone.
- Cytogenetic findings in one case were similar to intraosseous ABCs; no bone involvement was noted.
Conclusions:
- Soft tissue aneurysmal bone cyst is an uncommon, benign entity.
- Simple excision is an effective treatment, with a low recurrence rate after complete removal.
- Distinguishing soft tissue ABCs from other neoplastic processes, particularly extraskeletal osteosarcoma, is crucial.