Solitary fibrous tumor of the scalp in a child

Abstract

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms that arise most commonly in the pleura but have been increasingly reported in extrapleural sites. The authors report the case of an SFT of the scalp that manifested as an enlarging scalp mass in a 2-year-old boy. The mass was surgically excised. Histological examination showed it to be composed of fusiform cells of variable cellularity with a central hyalinization zone. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for CD34 and negative for smooth muscle actin, S100 protein, desmin, and h-caldesmon. On 1-year follow-up, there was no recurrence of the mass. This case presented some diagnostic difficulty because of the wide range of possible diagnoses for a pediatric scalp mass; however, the distinct immunohistochemical profile helped to eliminate other more frequent fibrous tumors of the scalp. The behavior of scalp SFTs is usually benign, but their course can be unpredictable, and recognition of these lesions is essential.