Pathological Characterization of Fibrous Tumors

Summary

The pathological characterisation of fibrous tumours encompasses a comprehensive assessment of morphological, immunophenotypic and molecular features. Histologically, these lesions are typified by variations in cellularity, dense hyalinised collagenous stroma and the presence or absence of calcifications. A spindle‐cell morphology combined with patterns of lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate guides the differential diagnosis between benign pseudotumours, such as calcifying fibrous tumour, and more aggressive fibrosarcomas. Immunohistochemical panels—often including markers for CD34, factor XIIIa and smooth muscle actin—further refine diagnostic accuracy. Advances in genomic and transcriptomic profiling have begun to reveal recurrent alterations that correlate with clinical behaviour, aiding prognostic stratification. Non‐invasive imaging modalities, notably high‐resolution ultrasound, MRI and PET/CT, contribute to preoperative characterisation by delineating lesion margin, vascularity and metabolic activity. Integration of these parameters underpins precision diagnosis, informs surgical planning and supports global efforts to standardise classification and management pathways for fibrous tumours.

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Pathological Characterization of Fibrous Tumors publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in pathological characterization of fibrous tumors across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Hyalinised stroma: Dense, glassy collagen matrix characteristic of chronic fibrous lesions.

Psammomatous calcifications: Small, round, concentrically laminated calcium deposits often seen in fibrous tumours.

Immunohistochemistry: Laboratory technique that uses antibodies to detect specific antigens in tissue sections, aiding tumour classification.

Spindle cells: Elongated cells with tapering ends commonly observed in fibrous and mesenchymal tumours.

Lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate: Collections of lymphocytes and plasma cells within the tumour stroma, indicative of chronic inflammation.

References

  1. Case report: A large gastric calcifying fibrous tumor treated with endoscopic submucosal excavation. Frontiers in Oncology (2024).
  2. Clinicopathologic Study of Calcifying Fibrous Tumor Emphasizing Different Anatomical Distribution and Favorable Prognosis. BioMed Research International (2019).
  3. Reactive Nodular Fibrous Pseudotumor Mimicking Metastatic Tumor After Gastric Cancer Operation: A Case Report and Literature Review. Frontiers in Oncology (2022).

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