Read more about this disease, some with Classification – Types – Signs and symptoms – Genetics – Pathophysiology – Diagnosis – Screening – Prevention – Treatment and management – Cures and much more, some including pictures and video when available.
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is a type of cancer that is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of late adult life, most commonly occurring between age 50-70. In rare cases MFH does occur in children, but it is usually in a less aggressive form. However, malignant tumors have occurred in children as young as 13. It occurs more often in caucasians than those of African or Asian descent. Its male:female predominance is 2:1.
It can be considered a wastebasket diagnosis for sarcomas that can not be more precisely categorized.[1]
MFH occurs most commonly in the extremities and retroperitoneum, but has been reported in many other sites (lung, head/neck, etc.). Development of metastasis depends on the tumor’s subtype. Metastasis occurs most frequently in the lung (90%), bone (8%) and liver (1%). In the extremities, it presents as a painless enlarging soft tissue mass. It can develop anywhere in the soft tissue, but also occurs at sites of previous radiation treatment, shrapnel implantation or next to prostheses.
It can be divided into two subtypes: “spindle cell” and “pleomorphic”.[2]
It can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but a biopsy is required for definitive diagnosis.
Treatment consists of surgical excision(the extent of which ranges from tumor excision to limb amputation depending on the tumor) and in some cases chemotherapy and radiation.
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