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Elastofibroma: cytomorphologic, histologic, and radiologic findings in five cases
1Department of Pathology, Division of Cytopathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Diagnostic Cytopathology
|June 2, 2011
Summary
Elastofibroma, a rare soft tissue tumor, often yields false-negative results on fine needle aspiration (FNA) due to its collagenous nature. Recognizing characteristic cytomorphologic features is key for accurate diagnosis, avoiding unnecessary biopsies.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Elastofibroma is a rare, benign soft tissue neoplasm typically found in the subscapular region of elderly individuals.
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a common diagnostic tool, but its effectiveness for elastofibroma can be limited by hypocellularity.
Observation:
- This study retrospectively analyzed five cases of elastofibroma, examining cytomorphologic, histological, and radiologic findings.
- FNA smears were consistently hypocellular, containing spindle cells, adipocytes, and collagen, with characteristic petaloid globules and elastic fibers.
Findings:
- The collagenous nature of elastofibroma often leads to paucicellular FNA samples, increasing the risk of false-negative diagnoses.
- Key cytomorphologic features include scattered spindle cells, mature adipocytes, collagen, and distinctive petaloid globules and elastic fiber patterns.
Implications:
- Accurate identification of elastofibroma's cytomorphologic features on FNA can prevent misdiagnosis and the need for invasive preoperative biopsies.
- Enhanced awareness among cytopathologists and radiologists can improve diagnostic accuracy for this rare soft tissue tumor.
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