Nodular fasciitis: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|A benign soft tissue tumor}} | |||
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| topic = Nodular fasciitis | |||
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'''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|thumb|left]] | |||
==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. | |||
==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. | |||
Nodular fasciitis | [[File:Nodular_fasciitis_-_intermed_mag.jpg|Nodular fasciitis - intermediate magnification|thumb|right]] | ||
==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. | |||
==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. | |||
[[File:Nodular_fasciitis_-_high_mag.jpg|Nodular fasciitis - high magnification|thumb|left]] | |||
==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. | |||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Fibromatosis]] | |||
== | * [[Myofibroblast]] | ||
* [[Soft tissue tumor]] | |||
* [[ | |||
* [[ | |||
* [[ | |||
[[ | [[File:Fasciitis_nodularis_(Goldner).jpg|Fasciitis nodularis (Goldner)|thumb|right]] | ||
[[Category:Soft tissue disorders]] | |||
[[Category:Benign neoplasms]] | |||
Revision as of 11:16, 23 March 2025
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Related pages
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