Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma: Symptoms and Treatment

Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma refers to a medical condition characterized by the development of a skin growth on the body. The condition is commonly observed on the extremities, retro-peritoneum region, lungs and even the head. The tumor sub-type determines the development of metastasis or the spread of the growth. Clinical research reveals that metastasis is mostly observed in the lungs. The condition is characterized by a painless, consistently enlarging soft tissue mass on the body. Basically, Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma develops on soft tissue and hence, it can appear just about anywhere on the body. The fibrous histiocytoma is also observed on areas that have been exposed to prostheses or shrapnel implantation.

Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma Symptoms:

The condition has been linked to the chemical phenoxyacetic acid that is commonly found in herbicides, clorphenols in timber preservatives, and asbestos exposure. Research also reveals that people who have been previously exposed to radiation are more prone to develop Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma symptoms. The genetic link is being investigated. The only immediate and direct symptom of MFH is the development of an abnormal mass. This is usually accompanied by:

• High levels of eosinophils, certain type of white blood cells
• Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
• Fever
• Liver function abnormalities that show up in tests

Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma is best diagnosed when removed. Prior to surgery, most symptoms are difficult to distinguish from the other soft tissue sarcoma. Once the tumor or fibrous mass has been surgically removed by the orthopedic surgeon, the diagnostic procedure involves microscopic examination of the tumor.

Treatment of Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma:

MFH treatment options are either surgery or observation based. Surgery involves the excision of the fibrous mass and thereafter chemotherapy and/or radiation, if required. This treatment plan involves the expertise of an oncologist and related health care personnel. Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma can be detected and treated in time with the help of magnetic resonance imaging or MRI. Nevertheless, a biopsy becomes very important for definitive diagnosis. Prognosis of the condition depends on the size of the tumor size and grade. It is generally poor when the disease metastasizes to the bones or the lungs and if the tumor removal is not successfully accomplished. Low-grade MFH tumors resemble the surrounding soft tissue, while intermediate and high grade MFH do not. There are two clinical stages that classify Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma tumors:

• Stage One, where the tumors are less than 5 centimeters in diameter.
• Stage Two, where the MFH tumors are larger than 5 centimeters in diameter.

In the case of Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma, local recurrence post-surgery is common. This type of fibrous histiocytoma develops fat layers intertwined with the layers of soft tissue. MFH occurs more in Caucasians, though a relationship of the abnormality with any particular geographical region is yet to be defined. Males are affected more than females. Sun-exposed parts of the body are more susceptible to the development of Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma. It has been observed that people affected with genetic diseases like neurofibromatosis are more prone to developing MFH. The condition also affects the skeletal framework of people with Paget disease or dysplasia of bone. Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma treatment could result in loss of a limb or amputation. This adds to psycho-sociological stress that a patient may have to bear, in the absence of the right support.