Nodular fasciitis: Difference between revisions

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'''Nodular fasciitis''' is a rapid growth, benign, soft tissue lesion that is commonly mistaken for a malignant soft tissue tumour due to its aggressive appearance. It is a self-limiting condition, which means it often resolves on its own without treatment.  
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
==Etiology==
| name            = Nodular fasciitis
 
| image          = [[File:Nodular_fasciitis_-_high_mag.jpg|left|thumb|Nodular fasciitis under high magnification]]
The exact cause of nodular fasciitis is unknown, but it is thought to be related to trauma or injury to the affected area. However, many patients with nodular fasciitis do not recall a specific injury.
| caption        = Histopathological image of nodular fasciitis
 
| field          = [[Pathology]]
| synonyms        = [[Pseudosarcomatous fasciitis]], [[Proliferative fasciitis]]
| symptoms        = Rapidly growing [[soft tissue]] mass, usually painless
| complications  = Rarely, recurrence after excision
| onset          = Typically in [[young adults]]
| duration        = Usually self-limiting
| causes          = Unknown, possibly [[trauma]]
| risks          = None identified
| diagnosis      = [[Histopathology]]
| differential    = [[Sarcoma]], [[Fibromatosis]], [[Myositis ossificans]]
| treatment      = [[Surgical excision]]
| medication      = None typically required
| prognosis      = Excellent, benign condition
| frequency      = Rare
}}
{{Short description|A benign soft tissue tumor}}
{{Medical resources
| topic = Nodular fasciitis
}}
'''Nodular fasciitis''' is a benign, rapidly growing soft tissue tumor that often presents as a solitary, painless mass. It is most commonly found in the subcutaneous tissues of the upper extremities, trunk, and head and neck region. Despite its alarming growth rate, nodular fasciitis is non-cancerous and typically resolves spontaneously or after surgical excision.
==Pathophysiology==
Nodular fasciitis is characterized by a proliferation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. It is thought to arise from a reactive process, possibly due to trauma or inflammation, although the exact etiology remains unclear. The lesion is composed of spindle-shaped cells in a myxoid stroma, often with a prominent vascular component.
[[File:Nodular_fasciitis_-_low_mag.jpg|Nodular fasciitis - low magnification|left|thumb]]
==Clinical Presentation==
==Clinical Presentation==
 
Patients with nodular fasciitis typically present with a rapidly enlarging mass that may be mistaken for a malignant tumor due to its growth rate. The lesion is usually well-circumscribed, firm, and mobile. It is most frequently found in young adults, although it can occur at any age.
Nodular fasciitis typically presents as a rapidly growing, painful mass. It most commonly affects the upper extremities, but can occur anywhere in the body. The lesion is usually less than 2 cm in diameter, but can be larger.
==Histopathology==
 
Histologically, nodular fasciitis is characterized by a proliferation of spindle cells arranged in short fascicles. The stroma is myxoid and contains scattered inflammatory cells, including lymphocytes and macrophages. Mitotic figures may be present, but atypical mitoses are rare.
[[File:Nodular_fasciitis_-_intermed_mag.jpg|Nodular fasciitis - intermediate magnification|left|thumb]]
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
 
The diagnosis of nodular fasciitis is primarily based on histological examination. Imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to assess the extent of the lesion, but they are not diagnostic. Fine needle aspiration or core needle biopsy can provide tissue for histological analysis.
Diagnosis of nodular fasciitis is often challenging due to its aggressive appearance, which can mimic a malignant tumour. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through a biopsy of the lesion.
 
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
 
The treatment of choice for nodular fasciitis is surgical excision. Complete removal of the lesion is usually curative, and recurrence is rare. In some cases, the lesion may regress spontaneously without intervention.
As nodular fasciitis is a self-limiting condition, treatment is often not necessary. However, if the lesion is causing significant discomfort or is not resolving on its own, surgical removal may be considered.
[[File:Nodular_fasciitis_-_high_mag.jpg|Nodular fasciitis - high magnification|left|thumb]]
 
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
 
The prognosis for patients with nodular fasciitis is excellent. The lesion is benign and does not metastasize. Recurrence after surgical excision is uncommon, and spontaneous resolution has been reported.
The prognosis for nodular fasciitis is generally excellent. Most lesions resolve on their own within a few months, and recurrence is rare.
==See also==
 
* [[Fibromatosis]]
==See Also==
* [[Myofibroblast]]
 
* [[Soft tissue tumor]]
* [[Soft tissue tumour]]
[[File:Fasciitis_nodularis_(Goldner).jpg|Fasciitis nodularis (Goldner)|left|thumb]]
* [[Benign tumour]]
[[Category:Soft tissue disorders]]
* [[Malignant tumour]]
[[Category:Benign neoplasms]]
 
==References==
 
<references />
 
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Pathology]]
 
{{stub}}
<gallery>
File:Nodular_fasciitis_-_high_mag.jpg|Nodular fasciitis - high magnification
File:Nodular_fasciitis_-_low_mag.jpg|Nodular fasciitis - low magnification
File:Nodular_fasciitis_-_intermed_mag.jpg|Nodular fasciitis - intermediate magnification
File:Fasciitis_nodularis_(Goldner).jpg|Fasciitis nodularis (Goldner)
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 01:52, 9 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Nodular fasciitis
Nodular fasciitis under high magnification
Synonyms Pseudosarcomatous fasciitis, Proliferative fasciitis
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Rapidly growing soft tissue mass, usually painless
Complications Rarely, recurrence after excision
Onset Typically in young adults
Duration Usually self-limiting
Types N/A
Causes Unknown, possibly trauma
Risks None identified
Diagnosis Histopathology
Differential diagnosis Sarcoma, Fibromatosis, Myositis ossificans
Prevention N/A
Treatment Surgical excision
Medication None typically required
Prognosis Excellent, benign condition
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


A benign soft tissue tumor


Nodular fasciitis is a benign, rapidly growing soft tissue tumor that often presents as a solitary, painless mass. It is most commonly found in the subcutaneous tissues of the upper extremities, trunk, and head and neck region. Despite its alarming growth rate, nodular fasciitis is non-cancerous and typically resolves spontaneously or after surgical excision.

Pathophysiology[edit]

Nodular fasciitis is characterized by a proliferation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. It is thought to arise from a reactive process, possibly due to trauma or inflammation, although the exact etiology remains unclear. The lesion is composed of spindle-shaped cells in a myxoid stroma, often with a prominent vascular component.

Nodular fasciitis - low magnification

Clinical Presentation[edit]

Patients with nodular fasciitis typically present with a rapidly enlarging mass that may be mistaken for a malignant tumor due to its growth rate. The lesion is usually well-circumscribed, firm, and mobile. It is most frequently found in young adults, although it can occur at any age.

Histopathology[edit]

Histologically, nodular fasciitis is characterized by a proliferation of spindle cells arranged in short fascicles. The stroma is myxoid and contains scattered inflammatory cells, including lymphocytes and macrophages. Mitotic figures may be present, but atypical mitoses are rare.

Nodular fasciitis - intermediate magnification

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of nodular fasciitis is primarily based on histological examination. Imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to assess the extent of the lesion, but they are not diagnostic. Fine needle aspiration or core needle biopsy can provide tissue for histological analysis.

Treatment[edit]

The treatment of choice for nodular fasciitis is surgical excision. Complete removal of the lesion is usually curative, and recurrence is rare. In some cases, the lesion may regress spontaneously without intervention.

Nodular fasciitis - high magnification

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for patients with nodular fasciitis is excellent. The lesion is benign and does not metastasize. Recurrence after surgical excision is uncommon, and spontaneous resolution has been reported.

See also[edit]

Fasciitis nodularis (Goldner)