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Establishment and characterization of a novel myxofibrosarcoma cell line.

We established a novel human myxofibrosarcoma cell line NMFH-1 and analyzed it with spectral karyotyping and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). NMFH-1 cells are composed of two different types of cells, small, spindle-shaped mononuclear cells and bizarre multinucleated giant cells, which were maintained in vitro over 200 passages. Xenografted tumor showed typical features of myxofibrosarcoma, which included bizarre multinucleated giant cells. Cytogenetic analyses revealed complex abnormalities, including a t(17;22)(q2?2;q13), which has been found in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Subsequent reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed that the cell line did not have the COL1A1-PDGFB gene fusion. Significant gains of the 1q12 approximately q23 and 8q13 approximately qter regions and loss of the 9p21 approximately pter and 13q12 regions often found in MFH were observed by CGH analysis. We investigated the origin of multinucleated giant cells in xenografted tumor through DNA in situ hybridization. In this system, the human-specific Alu sequence and the mouse L1 sequence were used as specific cell markers of identity. In situ hybridization revealed neoplastic proliferation of the multinucleated giant cells of human origin.

Aged↗

Cutaneous lesions: benign and malignant.

This article reviews the clinical characteristics, histology, biologic behavior, and recommended treatment for several benign and malignant lesions that may arise on the head and neck. Nevus sebaceus and congenital melanocytic nevus are two benign lesions that can present at a size of several centimeters. Surgical excision may be considered for cosmetic purposes and to reduce the small risk for the development of malignancy within each lesion. Basal and squamous cell carcinoma, lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and Merkel cell carcinoma are malignant lesions for which surgical excision is the recommended treatment. Local flap reconstruction may be used to address the surgical defects resulting from excision of these benign and malignant conditions.

Basal Cell Carcinoma↗

Overexpression of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor (Met) and presence of a truncated and activated intracellular HGF receptor fragment in locally aggressive/malignant human musculoskeletal tumors.

Enhanced hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor (Met) signaling has been suggested to play an important role in the development and progression of various epithelial and nonepithelial tumors. N-terminally truncated forms of the HGF receptor have been shown to be constitutively activated and tumorigenic in animal experiments. In the present study, 102 benign and malignant human musculoskeletal tumors were examined for expression of the HGF receptor by Western blotting and/or immunohistochemistry. A clear predominance of HGF receptor expression was seen in malignant as compared to benign tumors (Western blotting, P < 0.001; immunohistochemistry, P < 0.02). For the first time we show HGF receptor expression in the following four tumor types: dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, clear cell sarcoma of tendons, malignant primitive neuroectodermal tumor, and benign fibrous histiocytoma. In three cases of sarcoma with high HGF receptor expression by Western blotting, we found indications of a short 85-kd N-terminally truncated HGF receptor that was tyrosine phosphorylated and located in the cytoplasm. Although fragments of this length were seen in 18 of 65 tumors, most were not tyrosine-phosphorylated. Northern blotting revealed only the 7.5-kb full-length HGF receptor transcript, suggesting that the 85-kd fragment is generated by an alternative initiation of translation or by proteolytic cleavage. Southern blotting detected no amplification of the Hgfr/Met gene in the 35 tumors examined, in contrast to our recent report of Hgfr/Met gene amplification in 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced rat sarcomas. The present data suggest that the locally aggressive and malignant properties of human mesenchymal tumors maybe related, in part, to high levels of full-length HGF receptors, and in some cases to the occurrence of N-terminally truncated HGF receptors, activated independently of HGF.

Blotting, Western↗

Giant cell fibroblastoma: an entity or a reactive phenomenon?

The histological and immunohistochemical features of four tumors displaying the characteristic pattern of Giant Cell Fibroblastoma (GCF) are presented. Three of them were found in association with classical and/or myxoid dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, while the fourth tumor was a retroperitoneal malignant hemangiopericytoma where foci with features of GCF were found. Typical sinusoidal spaces and the bizarre mononuclear and multinucleated cells in close association to blood vessels presenting a wide spectrum of lesions of their walls are also described. These last changes led us to believe that GCF-like lesions might not always characterize an entity but could often represent a host reaction of the connective tissue to locally aggressive or malignant tumors.

Adult↗

Unusual cutaneous malignancies.

The most commonly occurring cutaneous malignancies are basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. There are, however, other rare malignancies that are encountered and should be included in the differential, in which both the clinical and the histological diagnosis may be difficult. Here, the clinical and histological features, management, and prognostic factors of merkel cell carcinoma, microcystic adnexal carcinoma, leiomyosarcoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and angiosarcoma are reviewed.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Malignant fibrous tumors.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX), and malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) are rare soft tissue sarcomas of intermediate to high-grade malignancy that the dermatologist must evaluate and treat. DFSP is a fibrohistiocytic tumor of intermediate malignancy characterized by aggressive local growth and propensity to recur after surgical excision. AFX is a superficial malignant tumor that arises on sun-exposed surfaces and is characterized by local aggressive behavior. MFH is the most aggressive of the fibrohistiocytic tumors with a high local recurrence rate and significant metastatic rate usually associated with a poor prognosis. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, histology, management, prognosis, and follow-up of these malignant tumors.

Chemotherapy, Adjuvant↗

S100A6 expression in fibrohistiocytic lesions.

BACKGROUND: S100A6, an S100 calcium-binding protein, has been found in a variety of cutaneous and extracutaneous lesions including: melanocytic nevi, melanoma, some salivary gland and epithelial tumors, and malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH). Dermal dendrocytes (DD) in the papillary dermis of skin also express S100A6 protein. We evaluated a variety of cutaneous fibrohistiocytic lesions to determine if the immunophenotype of S100A6 positivity can be expanded to include some or all of these lesions. METHODS: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from fibrous papules (FP, 20), dermatofibromas (DF, 20), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP, 5), atypical fibroxanthomas (AFX, 5), oral fibromas (3), digital fibroma (1), and dermatomyofibroma (1) were evaluated with antibodies to S100A6, S100B, factor XIIIa, and MAC387 using a one-hour capillary action-based immunohistochemical procedure. RESULTS: DD in 20/20 FP, 19/20 DF, and 4/4 fibromas stained positively with anti-S100A6 in a pattern similar to anti-factor XIIIa. No DFSP cases stained with anti-S100A6. Anti-S100A6 showed superior staining to anti-factor XIIIa in 4/5 AFX cases. CONCLUSIONS: The immunophenotypes of some fibrohistiocytic lesions can be expanded to include S100A6 protein. With the exception of AFX, the use of anti-S100A6 does not appear to offer added benefit over anti-factor XIIIa in the differential diagnosis of fibrohistiocytic lesions.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

CD34 expression in desmoplastic melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Primary and metastatic malignant melanoma can simulate various soft tissue tumors, including dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). Expression of CD34, a marker characteristic of DFSP, as well as other spindle cell tumors, has not been previously documented in malignant melanoma. METHODS: We present here an unusual case of metastatic malignant melanoma with a strong histologic resemblance to DFSP and also CD34 expression. RESULTS: The patient, a 72-year-old man with a history of an invasive malignant melanoma of the skin of the right lower abdomen, presented with a right axillary mass. Histologic sections revealed intersecting fascicles of spindle cells with nuclear pleomorphism and numerous mitotic figures, diffusely infiltrating the adipose tissue in a pattern closely simulating that seen in DFSP. In other foci, epithelioid neoplastic cells with abundant cytoplasm, prominent nucleoli, nuclear pseudoinclusions, and focal cytoplasmic melanin pigment were seen. The neoplastic spindle cells were strongly labeled by two anti-CD34 monoclonal antibodies. Some of the spindle cells and the majority of the epithelioid neoplastic cells expressed S-100 protein and focally tyrosinase. The tumor cells were negative for HMB-45 and MART-1. Melanosomes were not identified by electron microscopy. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the potential of melanoma to simulate DFSP closely, on both morphologic and immunohistochemical grounds, and confirms the utility of employing a broad panel of immunohistochemical reagents in problematic cases.

Antigens, CD34↗

Bednár tumor associated with dermal melanocytosis: melanocytic colonization or neuroectodermal multidirectional differentiation?

BACKGROUND: Neuroectodermal differentiation or melanocytic colonization are the opposing theories of histogenesis for the Bednár tumor or pigmented dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). OBSERVATION: A 31-year-old African-American woman presented with a 2-cm blue-black shoulder nodule of 1-year duration. Punch biopsy revealed a CD34+, Factor XIIIa-DFSP, harboring numerous, pigmented spindle S100+, Mart-1+ and HMB-45+ cells. Subsequent wide excision demonstrated pigmented dendritic and spindled cells widely scattered throughout the dermis of the 3-cm excisional margins and punch biopsy specimens of normal skin from both shoulders. This latter process was interpreted as dermal melanocytosis (nevus of Ito). The dermal pigmented spindle cells were Mart-1+ and CD34-, and were associated with non-pigmented CD34+, cytologically banal spindle cells, which were more numerous in the excisional margins than the contralateral shoulder. CONCLUSION: Reported herein is a singular case of Bednár tumor associated with dermal melanocytosis. Although the coexistence of these processes implicates colonization of the DFSP by constituent dermal melanocytes, the mixed immunophenotype (CD34+ or Mart-1+ cells) of dispersed dermal spindle cells hints at the possibility of a common cell of origin: the putative neuromesenchymal cell. In effect, the Bednár tumor could represent one part of a spectrum of neural crest-derived dermal tumors that includes dermal melanocytosis, cellular blue nevus and conventional DFSP.

Adult↗

Excision of selected skin tumours using Mohs' micrographic surgery with horizontal paraffin-embedded sections.

Histological interpretation of frozen sections made during Mohs' micrographic surgery may be difficult, depending on the morphological and staining characteristics of the tumour and on the nature of the associated inflammatory infiltrate. We have employed an adaptation of micrographic surgery in which horizontal, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections were used to improve histological assessment in the excision of 18 non-melanoma skin tumours in which frozen sections had been or were likely to be unsatisfactory. We describe our experience of this method in the management of squamous cell carcinomas (11), extramammary Paget's disease (two), microcystic adnexal cell carcinomas (two), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (two), and primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma (Merkel cell carcinoma) (one). The use of horizontal paraffin-embedded sections lengthens the duration of the procedure but facilitates accurate assessment of histological sections in selected tumours.

Adult↗

Pigmented neurofibroma: report of two cases and literature review.

Two cases of pigmented neurofibroma of the skin are reported. In case 1, the tumor was removed from the back of a 55-year-old man with no associated neurofibromatosis. In case 2, the tumor was removed from the abdominal wall of a 21-year-old woman with neurofibromatosis. Both tumors consisted of benign, short spindle cells and multiple foci of scattered melanin-laden cells. In case 1, the spindle cells were arranged in a storiform pattern, resembling features of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Immunohistochemically, the spindle cells of both cases were demonstrated to be positive for S-100 protein and CD34. The melanin-laden cells stained positively for HMB-45. This report describes an additional two cases of pigmented neurofibroma that conform to the new diagnostic criteria for this disease.

Adult↗

Giant cell fibroblastoma in a child misdiagnosed as a dermatofibroma.

We report a 9-year-old African-American boy with a giant cell fibroblastoma of the shoulder that was incorrectly diagnosed as a keloid and dermatofibroma. Initial misdiagnosis led to a delay of 4 years in the correct diagnosis, with the tumor producing significant local destruction. We review herein the clinical manifestations, histologic findings, histogenesis, relationship to dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), treatment, and differential diagnosis of giant cell fibroblastoma (GCF). This information is important in correctly diagnosing this uncommon, benign, but locally aggressive and recurrent tumor of childhood. The clinician should consider GCF and DFSP when the pathologic diagnosis of dermatofibroma is made in lesions more than 2 cm in diameter, or when this diagnosis is made in a prepubertal child.

Child↗

Unplanned incomplete Mohs micrographic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Incomplete Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the cessation of MMS while the tumor margins are known to be still positive. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to examine the factors behind unplanned incomplete MMS and to identify means of avoiding and managing this situation when it arises. METHODS: We performed a retrospective case review examining clinical presentations, histologic features, and management of incomplete MMS. RESULTS: Fifteen of 10,346 procedures (0.15%) were identified as incomplete MMS. Complete records were available in 14 cases. The age range was 30 to 90 years; the study comprised 10 men and 4 women. The tumors included 9 basal cell and 4 squamous cell carcinomas and 1 dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. The sites involved were nose, medial canthus, ear, scalp, and lower eyelid. Twelve cases dealt with unresectable disease, whereas two patients were unable to tolerate further surgery. Of the unresectable cases, MMS was terminated because of ongoing multifocal positive skin margins, bony invasion, or extension of tumor to other locations. Surgical defects were repaired, whereas residual disease was managed with a variety of methods. CONCLUSION: Incomplete MMS is a rare problem of either unresectable disease or inability of the patient to tolerate the procedure. Preoperative planning may help to identify both subgroups of patients. A multispecialty approach to managing these cases is often necessary.

Adult↗

p53 protein immunoreactivity in fibrohistiocytic tumors of the skin.

Abnormal expression of the 53 kDa nuclear phosphoprotein produced by the p53 gene is observed in many human cancers. p53 nuclear immunoreactivity is found commonly in tumor cells. Immunohistochemistry was performed using a monoclonal antibody, DO-7 (DAKO, Denmark; cat. no. M7001; 1:100 dilution), to investigate p53 protein immunoreactivity in a group of cutaneous fibrohistiocytic tumors that are known to be locally aggressive. The study group consisted of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) (n = 14) and atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) (n = 7). Cases of dermatofibroma (DF) (n = 16) formed the benign control group. Intense nuclear immunostaining for p53 protein was observed in 71% of DFSP and 86% of AFX. None of the dermatofibromas showed strong p53 nuclear immunostaining. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in p53 immunoreactivity between DFSP and DF (P = 0.0001, chi 2 test) and between AFX and DF (P = 0.0001, chi 2 test). In conclusion, increased p53 protein immunoreactivity is found in DFSP and AFX but not in DF. These differences in p53 immunoreactivity suggest that increased expression of the protein may be important in the pathogenesis of the more aggressive group of fibrohistiocytic tumors.

Dermatofibrosarcoma↗

nm23 protein expression and p53 immunoreactivity in cutaneous fibrohistiocytic tumors.

Recent data indicate that reduced expression of the 17-kD protein encoded by the nm23 gene may be important in the pathogenesis of several types of human tumors. Immunohistochemistry was performed using a murine monoclonal antibody, NCL-nm23 (Novocastra, 1:150 dilution) to investigate nm23 protein immunoreactivity in a group of locally aggressive cutaneous fibrohistiocytic tumors; dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) (n = 14) and atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) (n = 7). Cases of dermatofibroma (DF) (n = 17) formed the benign control group. Comparison with p53 protein immunoreactivity in the same cases studied previously was made. Strong immunohistological expression of the nm23 protein was seen in most of the cases of DF (n = 15; 88%) in the form of strong cytoplasmic immunolabelling without nuclear staining. However, strong nm23 immunoreactivity was observed in only a minority of the cases of DFSP (n = 5; 36%) and AFX (n = 2; 29%). Statistically significant differences in nm23 immunoreactivity were found between DFSP and DF (p = 0.008, chi 2 test with continuity correction) and between AFX and DF (p = 0.015; chi 2 test with continuity correction). No significant difference was seen between DFSP and AFX (p = 0.87, chi 2 test with continuity correction). There was inverse correlation between nm23 and p53 immunoreactivity (r = 0.331; r2 = 0.109; p = 0.046; simple regression analysis). In summary, nm23 protein immunoreactivity is reduced in DFSP and AFX but not in dermatofibroma suggesting that reduced expression of the protein may be important in influencing the behavior of fibrohistiocytic tumors, although this is not well characterised. nm23 protein expression is also found to be inversely related to p53 immunohistological expression in these tumors.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

An unusual case of deep penetrating dermatofibroma of the lower leg. Case report.

Histological examination of a punch biopsy specimen of a slowly growing, irregular dermal tumour from the right lower leg of a 32-year-old woman, which had been diagnosed clinically as a dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, showed it to be a deep penetrating dermatofibroma. The diagnosis was established by characteristic histological and immunohistochemical criteria. This allowed sequential excision in two sessions with primary closure and an optimal cosmetic result.

Adult↗

Prominent myofibroblastic differentiation. A pitfall in the diagnosis of dermatofibroma.

Myofibroblastic differentiation occurs in 10-20% of all dermatofibromas, affecting < 25% of cells. We report on a series of 36 dermatofibromas collected from > 1,500 fibrohistiocytic lesions (2%), with more prominent (> 25%) myofibroblastic differentiation characterized by markedly slender and elongated spindle cells positive for smooth muscle markers. While most of the lesions did not otherwise differ from ordinary dermatofibromas, three cases (0.2%) from the neck-shoulder region of male adults showed extensive myofibroblastic features (> 90%). Clinically, these three lesions measured approximately 1 cm and had a firm consistency, with the differential diagnosis of some fibrohistiocytic tissue response. Histologically, densely packed cells and prominent, partially nodular, stromal sclerosis with focal palisading of nuclei indicate some overlap with other rare variants of fibrohistiocytic tissue response, such as cellular benign and palisading cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma. Yet, these features together with focal whorled nesting of more epithelioid cells (one case) also caused considerable diagnostic problems to exclude other myofibroblastic as well as (malignant) spindle cell lesions such as (palisaded) myofibroblastoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and neurothekeoma. Immunohistochemically, all lesions were markedly (> 90%) labeled for smooth muscle markers (HHF35, anti-SMA) and with NK1C3 (CD57), while a broad panel for other spindle cell tumors, such as pan-keratin, S100 protein, EMA, desmin, CD34, CD31, and KiM1p, were negative. Electron microscopy of two cases revealed prominent endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex, numerous intermediate filaments, attachment plaques, and focal basal lamina formation. No recurrence was seen during a follow-up of 9 (two cases) and two years, respectively.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

HER-2/neu overexpression detected by immunohistochemistry in soft tissue sarcomas.

Sarcomas currently represent 1% of adult malignancies and 15% of pediatric malignancies. To determine the prevalence of HER-2/neu overexpression by the histologic type and to identify a possible predictive role in patients with sarcoma, we performed a retrospective study on subjects with a biopsy-proven diagnosis of a soft tissue sarcoma. HER-2/neu overexpression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC) performed on paraffin-embedded specimens. An IHC score of 2+ or greater was considered positive for overexpression. Two hundred seventy-three patients with soft tissue sarcoma were identified (164 females, 109 males) with a mean age of 56 (range: 1-93). The most common tumors identified were malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) (18.3%), dermatofibrosarcoma (DFS) (16.1%), leiomyosarcoma (13.2%) and carcinosarcomas (CS) (7.3%). Of the 273 specimens, 29 (10.6%) revealed HER-2/neu overexpression. CS, MFH, and DFS specimens showed the highest incidence of HER-2/neu overexpression (40%, 26%, and 18.2%, respectively). The incidence of HER-2/neu overexpression was found to be significantly higher in patients with a survival of less than 8 months (p = 0.035). This demonstrates that HER-2/neu overexpression is preferentially seen in certain soft tissue sarcomas, and when present is associated with a poorer prognosis in patients with sarcoma. Further studies would delineate whether HER-2/neu overexpression renders sarcomas chemoresistant and thus adversely affects outcome. In addition, there may be a role for Herceptin (trastuzumab) alone, or in combination with conventional therapy, in patients with CS, MHF, and DFS.

Adolescent↗