Photo Challenge

Asymptomatic Soft Tumor on the Forearm

Author and Disclosure Information

A 43-year-old Black man with no notable medical history presented to our clinic with a progressively enlarging tumor on the right forearm of 12 months’ duration. Despite its progressive growth, the tumor was asymptomatic. Physical examination of the right forearm revealed a 3.7×3.0-cm, well-circumscribed, exophytic tumor with a mildly erythematous hue, scaly surface, and rubbery consistency. There was no surrounding erythema, edema, localized lymphadenopathy, or concurrent lymphedema.

Asymptomatic soft tumor on the forearm

What's the diagnosis?

aneurysmal dermatofibroma

dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

neurofibroma

nevus lipomatosus

nodular Kaposi sarcoma

The Diagnosis: Aneurysmal Dermatofibroma

A shave biopsy of the entire tumor was performed at the initial visit. Histologic examination with hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed a fibrohistiocytic infiltrate containing cleftlike cavernous spaces lined by epithelial cells (Figure, A). Immunohistochemical staining revealed factor XIIIa expression on fibrohistiocytic cells (Figure, B). CD34 was expressed on vascular endothelial cells, but it failed to highlight the fibrohistiocytic space (Figure, C). Overall, these findings supported the diagnosis of aneurysmal dermatofibroma. The lesion healed without complications, and the patient was counseled on the risk for recurrence. He was offered localized excision but opted for conservative management without excision and close follow-up and monitoring.

Findings from a shave biopsy of the right forearm tumor supported the diagnosis of aneurysmal dermatofibroma.

Findings from a shave biopsy of the right forearm tumor supported the diagnosis of aneurysmal dermatofibroma. A, Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed a fibrohistiocytic infiltrate containing cleftlike cavernous spaces lined by epithelial cells (original magnification ×40). B, Immunohistochemical staining for factor XIIIa diffusely highlighted the fibrohistiocytic infiltrate (original magnification ×40). C, Immunohistochemical staining for endothelial cell marker CD34 highlighted cavernous spaces (original magnification ×100).

Dermatofibromas are common benign cutaneous nodules that often are asymptomatic and occur on the extremities. Dermatofibromas also are known as cutaneous fibrous histiocytomas and have numerous histologic variants. Aneurysmal dermatofibroma (also called aneurysmal fibrous histiocytoma) is a rare histologic variant of dermatofibroma presenting as a slow-growing exophytic tumor that can be purple, red, brown, or blue. Although classic dermatofibromas typically constitute a straightforward diagnosis, aneurysmal dermatofibromas often are more challenging to clinically differentiate from other cutaneous neoplasms. Additionally, due to the exophytic nature and larger size (0.5–4.0 cm), aneurysmal dermatofibromas do not exhibit the characteristic dimple (Fitzpatrick) sign found in many dermatofibromas. Aneurysmal dermatofibromas are 10 times more likely to recur than classic dermatofibromas.1-4

Aneurysmal dermatofibromas can mimic other cutaneous neoplasms, some indolent and others more aggressive. Similar to aneurysmal dermatofibromas, solitary neurofibromas and nevi lipomatosus can appear as asymptomatic exophytic nodules with a similar spectrum of color and indolent clinical courses. In nevus lipomatosus, the dermis is almost entirely replaced by mature adipose tissue.5 Solitary neurofibromas represent a proliferation of neuromesenchymal cells with haphazardly arranged, wavy nuclei characteristic of nerve cells.6 Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans can be distinguished from aneurysmal dermatofibroma by lack of factor XIIIa expression and diffuse positivity for CD34.7 Finally, aneurysmal dermatofibromas may resemble vascular tumors such as nodular Kaposi sarcoma. Kaposi sarcoma can be differentiated from an aneurysmal dermatofibroma by the presence of characteristic vascular wrapping, the absence of fibrohistiocytic cells, and expression of human herpesvirus 8 latent nuclear antigen-1.1,8 Although aneurysmal dermatofibromas are of low malignant potential, they are associated with a higher rate of recurrence compared to common dermatofibromas.9 Definitive treatment involves complete excision with follow-up to ensure no signs of recurrence.10 Incomplete excision can increase the likelihood of recurrence, especially for larger aneurysmal dermatofibromas. Aneurysmal dermatofibromas are one of the subtypes of dermatofibromas that may extend into the subcutaneous tissue. Han et al2 found that 77.8% of aneurysmal dermatofibromas extended into subcutaneous tissue. Recognizing the clinical and pathological features of this rare subtype of dermatofibroma can aid dermatologists in appropriate recognition and management.

Recommended Reading

Violaceous-Purpuric Targetoid Macules and Patches With Bullae and Ulceration
MDedge Dermatology
Atypical Keratotic Nodule on the Knuckle
MDedge Dermatology
Rapidly Growing Nodule Within a Previously Radiated Area of the Scalp
MDedge Dermatology
Exophytic Firm Papulonodule on the Labia in a Patient With Nonspecific Gastrointestinal Symptoms
MDedge Dermatology
Chronic Ulcerative Lesion
MDedge Dermatology
How should PRAME be used to evaluate melanocytic lesions?
MDedge Dermatology
Annular Plaques Overlying Hyperpigmented Telangiectatic Patches on the Neck
MDedge Dermatology
Fungal Osler Nodes Indicate Candidal Infective Endocarditis
MDedge Dermatology
Dome-Shaped Periorbital Papule
MDedge Dermatology
An 11-year-old boy presents with small itchy bumps on the wrists, face, arms, and legs
MDedge Dermatology

Related Articles