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Clinicopathological features of untreated fibrous hamartoma of infancy
1University Department of Surgery, University Teaching Hospital, Calabar Cross River State, Nigeria.
Insights
Fibrous hamartoma of infancy is a rare, benign tumor in Nigerian children. Early recognition and treatment are key for favorable outcomes in this pediatric condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Dermatopathology
Background:
- Fibrous hamartoma of infancy (FHI) is a rare benign soft tissue tumor.
- Understanding its clinicopathological features is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- This study investigated six Nigerian children with FHI, aged 6 months to 10 years.
- Lesions were congenital in four cases and appeared within the first year in two.
- Tumors were subcutaneous, solitary, and exhibited variable growth patterns, with better demarcation and encapsulation in older children.
Findings:
- FHI presents as a benign, slow-growing subcutaneous tumor.
- Clinicopathological features vary with age, particularly regarding demarcation and capsule development.
- The tumor is amenable to treatment, with a favorable prognosis.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of recognizing FHI in pediatric populations.
- Emphasizes the benign nature and treatability of FHI, guiding clinical management.
- Contributes to the understanding of FHI epidemiology and presentation in a specific geographic region.
Aim:
To study the clinicopathological features of fibrous hamartoma of infancy in Nigerian children.
Methods:
Six children aged between 6 months and 10 years were studied. All specimens were stained with haemotoxylin and eosin and examined routinely. The children were followed up for between one and three years.
Results:
In four of the children lesions were present at birth; in the other two they appeared by the age of 1 year. Some of the children had had the lesion for between three and 10 years. All lesions were located in the subcutis. They were solitary and varied in size and shape. They had grown rapidly up to the age of 5, after which growth decelerated, but did not stop or regress. The younger the child the less clearly demarcated was the tumour on the deep surface. In the older children the capsule was more developed.
Conclusions:
Fibrous hamartoma of infancy is rare, but it is important for clinicians to know that it is benign and readily amenable to treatment.