Clinicopathological features of superficial CD34-positive fibroblastic tumor

BACKGROUND: Superficial CD34-positive fibroblastoma (SCPFT) is a newly discovered mesenchymal tumor characterized by high polymorphism, low mitotic rate, and diffuse CD34-positive reactions. AIM: To further determine the clinicopathological features of SCPFT. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological data, immunohistochemistry results, and differential diagnoses of four patients with SCPFT and performed a literature review. Relevant fusion genes were also detected. RESULTS: The tumors were all located in the lower extremities and presented as slow-growing painless masses located in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Microscopically, the tumors were composed of spindle-shaped to epithelioid cells with scattered abnormal and pleomorphic nuclei on a fibrous or fibromyxoid background. Necrosis was not found in the tumor tissues, and mitotic figures were rare. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were strongly positive for vimentin and CD34, and CKpan showed focal positivity in two tumors. All four patients were followed (13-57 mo, mean 35 mo), and one patient experienced local recurrence. CONCLUSION: SCPFT is a newly discovered borderline mesenchymal tumor that can locally recur or even metastasize. Familiarity with its clinicopathological features will help avoid confusion with skin mesenchymal tumors with similar features.