Nodular fasciitis, a forgotten entity

Int J Dermatol. 2019 Feb;58(2):190-193. doi: 10.1111/ijd.14219. Epub 2018 Sep 6.

Abstract

Background: Nodular fasciitis is a benign pseudosarcomatous, self-limited, and reactive process. Based on its clinical and histological features - a fast-growing, solitary tumor with high cellularity and mitotic count - nodular fasciitis is considered to be a benign mimic of sarcoma.

Methods: We present four cases of nodular fasciitis and a review of the literature.

Results: The cases we present were initially misdiagnosed as sarcoma; two as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, one as atypical fibroxanthoma, and one as leiomyosarcoma.

Conclusion: Awareness of this entity among dermatologists is important as misdiagnosis may lead to unnecessary treatments associated with increased morbidity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • 12E7 Antigen / metabolism
  • Actins / metabolism
  • Adult
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • Antigens, CD34 / metabolism
  • Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic / metabolism
  • Fasciitis / diagnosis*
  • Fasciitis / metabolism*
  • Fasciitis / pathology
  • Fasciitis / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • MART-1 Antigen / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neprilysin / metabolism
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • 12E7 Antigen
  • Actins
  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, CD34
  • Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic
  • CD68 antigen, human
  • CD99 protein, human
  • MART-1 Antigen
  • MLANA protein, human
  • Neprilysin