Pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumor arising in the thigh: A case report

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pathology
• Radiology

Background:

• Pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumors (PHATs) are rare, non-metastasizing neoplasms with an uncertain cellular origin.
• These tumors can present as intramuscular masses, sometimes surrounded by adipose tissue.
• The distinction between PHATs and other adipose-associated lesions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of PHAT in the thigh of a 68-year-old female.
• To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of this rare tumor.
• To explore the potential association between PHATs and hemosiderotic fibrolipomatous lesions (HFLLs).

Main Methods:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to characterize the intramuscular mass.
• Surgical resection of the internal tumor (PHAT) and external tumor (HFLL) was performed.
• Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnoses of PHAT and HFLL.

Main Results:

• A 68-year-old female presented with an intramuscular mass in the thigh, diagnosed as PHAT.
• The tumor was associated with a surrounding lesion identified as hemosiderotic fibrolipomatous lesion (HFLL).
• No recurrence or metastasis was observed during a 6-year follow-up period post-resection.

Conclusions:

• The case suggests a possible association between early-stage PHAT and HFLL, with HFLL potentially representing a benign entity.
• PHATs may be low-grade sarcomas, necessitating careful histopathological evaluation.
• Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between PHATs and HFLLs.