Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma: a review with recent genetic findings.
Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma is a neoplasm of intermediate biologic potential most often arising in the extremities of children and young adults. Its rarity may lead to misdiagnosis as either a reactive lesion or a benign or higher-grade tumor. Originally described as a type of malignant fibrous histiocytoma, its differentiation remains enigmatic, with precise histogenesis still only hypothesized. Its morphology is distinct, as a circumscribed lesion with sheets of bland spindle to ovoid cells, peripheral lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, and blood-filled cystic cavities, and half of the cases show strong desmin expression. Cytogenetically, 2 specific translocations, t(12:16)(q13:p11) and more recently t(12:22)(q13:q12), have been characterized. The literature on angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma is reviewed, particularly with regard to recent molecular genetic developments and differentiation, and its morphology, immunohistochemistry, and differential diagnosis are summarized.
Thway
Khin
K
Department of Histopathology, Royal Marsden Hospital, 203 Fulham Rd, London SW3 6JJ, England, United Kingdom. khin_thway@yahoo.com
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D002881:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 12; D002885:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 16; D002892:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22; D003893:Desmin / Q000378:metabolism; D051677:Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D014178:Translocation, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D003893:Desmin