title: Primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the pleura. A case report.
abstract: An uncommon primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the pleura is described. At light microscopy the tumor was characterized by a 'storiform' pattern of growth, with numerous multinucleated giant cells. Immunohistochemistry showed an intense, diffuse immunostaining for alpha-1-antitrypsin, focal for lysozyme. Ultrastructurally, histiocyte- and fibroblast-like cells and cells with intermediate features were present; moreover, it was possible to demonstrate the presence of mesenchymal 'stem' cells. Findings are discussed, also with respect to histogenesis of MFH.
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D018219:Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous / Q000032:analysis / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D009113:Muramidase / Q000032:analysis; D010994:Pleura / Q000473:pathology*; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000032:analysis / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin; D009113:Muramidase