Subungual pleomorphic fibroma.
BACKGROUND
Pleomorphic fibroma is a benign fibroblastic tumor characterized by pleomorphic, hyperchromatic cells or giant multinucleated cells embedded in a collagenous stroma. These cytologic features may lead to an incorrect diagnosis of malignancy. Most cases reported in the literature are located on trunk or extremities; the presentation as a subungual mass is rare.


METHODS
We report an unusual case of a subungual pleomorphic fibroma in 66-year-old woman. Clinical information was obtained. Histologic examination and immunohistochemical studies were performed.


RESULTS
A 66-year-old woman presented with a longstanding (40 years), subungual mass that deformed the nail of the left middle finger. Microscopic examination revealed a paucicellular tumor composed of hyperchromatic spindled, pleomorphic, floret-like giant cells embedded in haphazardly arranged collagen bundles in the dermis. No mitotic figures were seen. The tumor cells were vimentin-positive but did not stain with antibodies to S-100, cytokeratin, smooth muscle actin, factor XIIIa or CD34 negative. The diagnosis of a pleomorphic fibroma was made. Follow-up shows no evidence of tumor, 36 months after excision.


CONCLUSIONS
Pleomorphic fibroma of the subungual region is an unusual cutaneous tumor with histologic features that may cause confusion with true sarcomas. This is only the second case reported of a subungual pleomorphic fibroma. Pleomorphic fibroma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pleomorphic subungual tumors.
D000368:Aged; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005350:Fibroma / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009262:Nails / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*