Abstract
Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) are soft tissue fibrohistiocytic sarcomas with variable aggressiveness. There is considerable debate about the relationship between AFX and MFH, as histological and immunochemical differentiation is difficult. Some authors consider AFX as the superficial/dermal variant of MFH, now reclassified as “undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS).” Their different biological behavior is explained by the absence of ras-oncogene mutations in AFX, whereas MFH has both H- and K-ras gene mutations which contribute towards the less favorable prognosis of MFH. Otherwise, they have been classified as similar entities within a spectrum of fibrohistiocytic malignancies.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Bibliography
Griewank KG, Schilling B, Murali R, et al. TERT promoter mutations are frequent in atypical fibroxanthomas and pleomorphic dermal sarcomas. Mod Pathol 2014;27:502–8.
Gru AA, Santa Cruz DJ. Atypical fibroxanthoma: a selective review. Semin Diagn Pathol. 2013;30:4–12.
Helwig EB. Atypical fibroxanthoma. Tex State J. Med. 1963;59:664–7.
Henderson MT, Hollmig ST. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma: changing perceptions and management challenges. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012;67:1335–41.
Hollmig ST, Rieger KE, Henderson MT, West RB, Sundram UN. Reconsidering the diagnostic and prognostic utility of LN-2 for undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and atypical fibroxanthoma. Am J Dermatopathol. 2013;35:176–9.
Kanner WA, Brill 2nd LB, Patterson JW, Wick MR. CD10, p63 and CD99 expression in the differential diagnosis of atypical fibroxanthoma, spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma and desmoplastic melanoma. J Cutan Pathol. 2010;37:744–50.
Mihic-Probst D, Zhao J, Saremaslani P, et al. CGH analysis shows genetic similarities and differences in atypical fibroxanthoma and undifferentiated high grade pleomorphic sarcoma. Anticancer Res. 2004;24:19–2.
Miller K, Goodlad JR, Brenn T. Pleomorphic dermal sarcoma: adverse histologic features predict aggressive behavior and allow distinction from atypical fibroxanthoma. Am J Surg Pathol. 2012;36:1317–26.
New D, Bahrami S, Malone J, Callen JP. Atypical fibroxanthoma with regional lymph node metastasis: report of a case and review of the literature. Arch Dermatol. 2010;146:1399–404.
O'Brien JE, Stout AP. Malignant fibrous xanthomas. Cancer. 1964;17:1445–55.
Sakamoto A, Oda Y, Itakura E, et al. H-, K-, and N-ras gene mutation in atypical fibroxanthoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Hum Pathol. 2001;32:1225–31.
Sakamoto A. Atypical fibroxanthoma. Clin Med Oncol. 2008;2:117–27.
Sakamoto A, Oda Y, Tsuneyoshi M, Iwamoto Y. Expression of the UV-induced molecule, Gadd45, in atypical fibroxanthoma. Histopathology. 2007;50:939–41.
Singh M, Mann R, Ilankovan V, Hussein K, D'arrigo C. Atypical fibroxanthom-- retrospective immunohistochemical study of 42 cases. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2012;70:2713–8.
Stefanato CM, Robson A, Calonje JE. The histopathologic spectrum of regression in atypical fibroxanthoma. J Cutan Pathol. 2010;37:310–5.
Thum C, Husain EA, Mulholland K, Hornick JL, Brenn T. Atypical fibroxanthoma with pseudoangiomatous features: a histological and immunohistochemical mimic of cutaneous angiosarcoma. Ann Diagn Pathol. 2013;17:502–7.
Withers AH, Brougham ND, Barber RM, Tan ST. Atypical fibroxanthoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2011;64:e273–8.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2015 Springer Science+Business Media New York
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Rongioletti, F. (2015). Atypical Fibroxanthoma/Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma (Superficial Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma). In: Rare Malignant Skin Tumors. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2023-5_33
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2023-5_33
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-2022-8
Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-2023-5
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)