Angiofibroma of soft tissue

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Angiofibroma of Soft Tissue

Angiofibroma of soft tissue is a rare, benign mesenchymal tumor characterized by a proliferation of spindle-shaped fibroblastic cells and prominent vascular components. It is considered a distinct entity within the spectrum of soft tissue tumors and is primarily found in adults.

Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Patients with angiofibroma of soft tissue typically present with a slow-growing, painless mass. The tumor is most commonly located in the extremities, particularly the lower limbs, but can also occur in other soft tissue sites. The age of presentation is usually in the third to fifth decades of life, with no significant gender predilection.

Histopathology[edit | edit source]

Microscopically, angiofibroma of soft tissue is characterized by:

  • A well-circumscribed, non-encapsulated mass.
  • A proliferation of bland spindle-shaped fibroblastic cells.
  • A prominent vascular component, with numerous small to medium-sized blood vessels.
  • A collagenous stroma that may vary in density.
  • Occasional myxoid changes.

The tumor cells are typically uniform with minimal atypia and low mitotic activity, which helps distinguish it from malignant soft tissue tumors.

Immunohistochemistry[edit | edit source]

Immunohistochemical staining is useful in the diagnosis of angiofibroma of soft tissue. The tumor cells often express:

  • Vimentin, a marker for mesenchymal cells.
  • CD34, which is variably expressed and can help in differentiating from other spindle cell neoplasms.
  • SMA (Smooth Muscle Actin), which may be focally positive.

The absence of markers such as S100 protein and Desmin helps exclude other soft tissue tumors like schwannomas and leiomyomas.

Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The differential diagnosis for angiofibroma of soft tissue includes:

Histological examination and immunohistochemical profiling are essential for accurate diagnosis.

Treatment and Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The primary treatment for angiofibroma of soft tissue is surgical excision with clear margins. The prognosis is excellent, as the tumor is benign with a low risk of recurrence. Malignant transformation has not been reported.

Also see[edit | edit source]



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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD