Elastofibroma: diagnosis and treatment of six cases

Elastofibroma is a rare, benign pseudotumor that arises from connective tissue, most commonly found at the right scapular tip. These tumors usually can be distinguished from malignant soft-tissue tumors by their anatomical location and also through imaging techniques. Although elastofibroma is rare, it is important for surgeons to be aware of this diagnosis to prevent unnecessary biopsies and unnecessary operations. We report a series of six patients, four of whom were female, with a median age of 62.5 years, diagnosed with and treated for elastofibroma. Five of the six patients had unilateral lesions, while one patient had bilateral elastofibromas. All unilateral lesions were found on the right side. The elastofibroma in five of six patients was located on the subscapular tip, the remaining patient's elastofibroma was found on the chest wall external to the pleural surface. The pathogenesis of this lesion is discussed, as recent evidence suggests a neoplastic origin to elastofibroma. Additionally, cellular changes occurring in elastofibroma may reflect the pathogenesis of other disorders of elastic fibers.