[Plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumor: a low grade malignancy lesion]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pediatric Oncology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumor (PFT) is a rare neoplasm predominantly affecting the pediatric and adolescent population.
• It characteristically presents as a lesion in the dermo-subcutaneous tissue of the upper extremities.
• PFT exhibits a plexiform growth pattern, a key diagnostic feature.

Observation:

• A case report details an 11-year-old child with a forearm nodule diagnosed as PFT.
• Histopathological examination revealed a plexiform proliferation of spindle fibroblast-like cells alongside mononuclear histiocyte-like cells.
• The tumor was treated with wide surgical excision.

Findings:

• The histological features of PFT include a distinctive plexiform arrangement of fibroblasts and histiocytes.
• Differential diagnosis can be challenging, requiring distinction from other fibroblastic or plexiform patterned tumors like fibromatosis and well-differentiated fibrosarcoma.
• Recurrence rates for PFT range from 20-30%, with metastasis being rare.

Implications:

• Accurate histological diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and prognosis of PFT.
• Surgical excision appears to be an effective treatment modality, as evidenced by the lack of recurrence in this case.
• Understanding the borderline nature of PFT is important for long-term patient follow-up and management strategies.