Collagenous fibroma (desmoplastic fibroblastoma): a unique presentation as a goiter in an 88-year-old man

Ann Diagn Pathol. 2000 Jun;4(3):165-9. doi: 10.1016/s1092-9134(00)90040-6.

Abstract

Collagenous fibroma (desmoplastic fibroblastoma) is a recently described entity in the medical literature. This entity has been reported in various locations, including the upper extremities, posterior neck, upper back, lower extremities, abdominal wall, and hip. We report an interesting case of an 88-year-old man who presented with an apparent goiter involving the right anterolateral neck. Histologic studies revealed a well-circumscribed, paucicellular lesion composed of stellate and spindle-shaped fibroblasts separated by bundles of collagen. No mitotic figures, necrosis, or calcification was observed. The stellate and spindle-shaped cells were positive for vimentin and focally positive for desmin, indicating myofibroblastic differentiation. Our case exemplifies the diagnostic difficulties that these tumors may pose from the clinical and radiologic standpoint when they clinically present as a goiter.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Desmin / analysis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fibroma, Desmoplastic / diagnostic imaging
  • Fibroma, Desmoplastic / pathology*
  • Goiter / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Mediastinal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Mediastinal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Thyroid Gland / diagnostic imaging
  • Thyroid Gland / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vimentin / analysis

Substances

  • Desmin
  • Vimentin