The concept of fibrohistiocytic neoplasms has been challenged largely because the malignant forms (i.e., malignant fibrous histiocytoma) consistently lack histiocytic features, and because some, when carefully studied, show a subtle degree of differentiation. Nonetheless, many benign fibrohistiocytic lesions are truly…
Although previously grouped together in this textbook, superficial and deep fibromatoses are now discussed separately because of distinct differences in clinical behavior. The superficial fibromatoses are described with the benign fibroblastic/myofibroblastic proliferations (see Chapter 7 ). Deep fibromatoses are included…
Fibrous tumors of infancy and childhood can be divided into two large groups: (1) lesions that correspond to similar lesions in adults in terms of clinical setting, microscopic picture, and behavior (e.g., nodular fasciitis, palmar/plantar fibromatosis, abdominal/extraabdominal fibromatosis) and (2)…
Fibrous connective tissue consists principally of fibroblasts and an extracellular matrix (ECM) containing fibrillary structures (collagen, elastin) and nonfibrillary ECM, or ground substance. Dense fibrous connective tissue, such as that found in tendons, aponeuroses, and ligaments, is composed predominantly of…
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is the use of antibody-based reagents for localization of specific epitopes in tissue sections. Over the past several decades, IHC has become a powerful tool to assist the surgical pathologist in many clinically critical settings. It is important…
Clinical Information The diagnosis of a soft tissue lesion requires a modicum of clinical information and adequate, well-processed tissue. At a minimum, the pathologist should be apprised of patient age, tumor location, and its growth characteristics. In some cases, the…
Soft tissue can be defined as nonepithelial extraskeletal tissue of the body exclusive of the reticuloendothelial system, glia, and supporting tissue of various parenchymal organs. It is represented by the voluntary muscles, fat, and fibrous tissue, along with the vessels…