Elastofibroma at the scapular region.

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Surgical Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Elastofibroma is a rare soft tissue lesion characterized by abundant elastic fibers within a collagen and fatty stroma.
• Typically located in the subscapular region, it can cause significant pain and mimic other soft tissue tumors.
• Its slow-growing nature and distinct histology differentiate it from malignant neoplasms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes for elastofibroma.
• To assess the clinical presentation and radiographic findings associated with elastofibroma.
• To determine the optimal management strategy for patients diagnosed with elastofibroma.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 11 patients with thoracic wall masses evaluated clinically and radiographically.
• Biopsies were performed in five patients prior to surgical excision.
• Histological confirmation of elastofibroma was obtained for all surgically treated patients.

Main Results:

• All 11 patients underwent surgical resection of the elastofibroma.
• Two patients experienced postoperative seroma, which resolved spontaneously.
• All patients successfully returned to their previous activity levels, including sports, post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• Elastofibroma diagnosis does not require extensive staging investigations, unlike sarcomas, due to its benign and slow-growing nature.
• Marginal surgical excision is a sufficient treatment modality for symptomatic or diagnosed elastofibroma.
• Observation is a viable alternative management strategy for elastofibroma, particularly for asymptomatic cases.