A Clinical and Histopathological Study of 13 Cases of Facial Dermatofibroma

Choi, Seok Joo; Kim, Jeong Eun; Won, Chong Hyun; Chang, Sungeun; Lee, Mi Woo; Choi, Jee Ho; Moon, Kee Chan

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Dermatofibroma (DF) is one of the most common benign soft tissue tumors, and its diagnosis is not difficult if clinicopathologic features are typical. However, DF occurring on the face is very rare; therefore, it is usually missed clinically.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to obtain better understanding of the clinicopathologic features of dermatofibroma of the face.
METHODS
This is a retrospective study of fibrous histiocytoma of the face at our center over a 23-year period (1989~2011). Clinicopathologic features of 13 patients were evaluated.
RESULTS
Of the 13 patients, ten were female and three were male. The neoplasms presented with various and atypical features, such as nodule, ulceration and papules. Low-power examination revealed that most of the cases were extended beyond the subcutaneous fat layer, showing ill-defined diffuse infiltrative pattern. The most common histologic type was typical fibrocollagenous type, but some cases presented features of cellular or angiomatous type. Mitotic activity was not definite in majority of cases, and usually ranged 0~1 mitoses per 10 HPF and a few atypical cells were shown in 2 cases, but not accompanied by recurrence. Tumor cells in all cases tested were negative for desmin and CD34, but positive for Factor XIIIa and CD68 in majority of the cases.
CONCLUSION
Because of its rare development on face and diverse clinical presentation, correct diagnosis with differential diagnosis is thought to be important. DF of the face usually presents with infiltration of deeper structures and still shows a benign behavior.