Elastofibroma at the scapular region.
BACKGROUND
Elastofibroma is a rare type of lesion consisting of elastic fibers within a stroma of collagen and fatty tissue. It is usually located on the lower scapular region attached firmly to the thoracic cage, often causing debilitating pain. Its clinical presentation mimics a soft tissue tumor.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the diagnosis and treatment results of elastofibroma.


METHODS
Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed in 11 patients with thoracic wall mass. In five of them a biopsy was taken before surgery. All patients were operated and the diagnosis of elastofibroma was confirmed by histology.


RESULTS
Two patients had a postoperative seroma that resolved spontaneously within a few days. All patients reesumed their preoperative activities, including sports.


CONCLUSIONS
Considering the slow-growing nature of this tumor and its typical presentation, we believe that when this diagnosis is suspected, investigation does not necessitate staging (as in sarcomas). Also, marginal surgical excision is sufficient. Observation is an acceptable alternative to surgery.
Kastner
Motti
M
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Oncology Service, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tikva and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.
Salai
Moshe
M
Fichman
Suzana
S
Heller
Sneir
S
Dudkiewicz
Israel
I
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005350:Fibroma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D012540:Scapula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed