MALIGNAT FIBROUS HISTIOCYTOMA OF THE THORAX:A REPORT OF FOUR CASES / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Four cases of primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the thorax, arising from the mediastinum, trachea, esophagus and lung respectively are reported. Primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma is rare in those regions, but more commonly in deep fascia and skeletal muscles of the extremities and in the retroperitoneum. It is a distinct form of sarcoma and has been considered to be of primitive mesenchy-mal cell origin. Most of the tumors contain both fibroblast-like and histiocyte-like cells; some contain pleomorphic giant cells and inflammatory celts. They are often confused with other sarcomas. It is impossible to make correct diagnosis preoperatively. Excision is the treatment of choice for malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Radiation and chemotherapy appear to be useful adjuncts to surgical therapy.