Extra-Pleural Solitary Fibrous Tumors: Clinicopathological Insights and Treatment Outcomes

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) were initially perceived as benign, pleural-based neoplasms but have since been recognized for their potential for local recurrence and distant metastasis, occurring across various anatomical sites. This manuscript delves into the clinicopathological characteristics, treatment outcomes, and follow-up data of patients with SFTs treated at our institution.

A retrospective review was conducted on patient charts diagnosed with and treated for extra-pleural SFT at our institute between 2006 and 2017. Data encompassing clinical presentations, diagnostic imaging, therapeutic interventions, histopathological findings, and follow-up details were extracted from electronic case records.

Eight patients (four males, four females) with SFT were included. Tumor sizes ranged from 2 cm to 17 cm, with a mean of 9.6 cm. Locations varied, with tumors found in soft tissues and bones. Surgical resection was performed on all patients, with varying outcomes. Five patients remained disease-free during follow-up, while others experienced relapse and metastasis.

Historically considered benign, SFTs exhibit variable clinical courses, with local recurrence and distant metastasis reported in a subset of cases. The advent of IHC has improved diagnostic accuracy, revealing characteristic markers such as CD34 and STAT6 positivity. Predicting malignancy remains challenging, necessitating comprehensive histopathological assessment. Surgical resection remains the primary treatment for SFTs, although the roles of adjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy remain uncertain. The unpredictable nature of SFTs underscores the importance of prolonged follow-up and further research into their molecular biology to develop more effective treatment strategies.