Angiofibroblastoma of the skin: a histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural report of two cases of an undescribed fibrous tumour.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this report is to present two cases of a distinct mesenchymal tumour of the skin that does not fit into one of the established entities.


RESULTS
All cases of fibromyxoid tumours from the files of two dermatopathology centres, together with clinical data and histopathological records, were reviewed. Two cases of a lesion composed of stellate and spindle-shaped cells with the phenotype of fibroblasts embedded in a fibromyxoid to dense fibrous stroma were identified. Because of the large number of capillary-sized blood vessels and their peculiar distribution within the stroma, the name angiofibroblastoma of the skin is proposed for this peculiar neoplasm. In both cases, the tumour appeared as an indolent and slowly growing nodule on the extremities of adults. Immunohistochemical and, in one case, ultrastructural studies were performed.


CONCLUSIONS
The lack of recurrences during a follow-up period of 9 and 3 years, respectively, after complete excision together with the bland histopathological appearance supports the benign character of the tumour.
Diaz-Cascajo
C
C
Center for Dermatopathology, Freiburg, Germany.
Metze
D
D
D000328:Adult; D018322:Angiofibroma / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor