Atypical fibroxanthoma in a woman and literature review

Abstract

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a superficial variant of pleomorphic malignant fibrous histiocytoma. AFX an rare tumor of skin seen mainly in the head and neck region of elderly patients. Clinically, it can be difficult to differentiate from other tumors without histopathological examination. It may clinically resemble squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, or pyogenic granuloma. The histologic differential diagnosis primarily includes peripheral giant cell granuloma, spindle cell squamous carcinoma, and spindle cell melanoma. Clinical findings and immunohistochemical studies are often needed to establish the diagnosis. The prognosis is generally excellent, although there are rare cases of metastatic disease. The case was 77-year-old female patient. She had a 1.5 cm red-brown bulging lesion on her left cheek that sometimes can bleed for 4 years. As clinically piyogenic granuloma was considered. Excisional biopsi was performed. There was not any lymphadenopathy in her head neck region. Microscopically, the case was interpreted as AFX. The histologic appearance of this lesion was reminiscent of the peripheral giant cell granuloma and giant cell variant of malignant fibrous histiocytoma, also termed malignant giant cell tumor of soft parts. Particularly skin lesions, clinicopathologic correlation is important. Appropriately as can be much easier to diagnose.