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Desmin and CD34 positivity in cellular fibrous histiocytoma: an immunohistochemical analysis of 100 cases
Author(s) -
Volpicelli Elgida R.,
Fletcher Christopher D. M.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of cutaneous pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.597
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1600-0560
pISSN - 0303-6987
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0560.2012.01944.x
Subject(s) - desmin , immunohistochemistry , cd34 , pathology , anatomical pathology , medicine , solitary fibrous tumor , anatomy , biology , vimentin , microbiology and biotechnology , stem cell
Background: Cellular benign fibrous histiocytoma ( CBFH ) represents a morphologic variant of cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma ( FH ). Because of its relative monomorphism and frequent fascicularity, CBFH can easily be mistaken for a malignancy. In fact, CD34 , often used to distinguish CBFH from dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans ( DFSP ), can also be positive. To add to the confusion, desmin positivity may also be observed in a subset of CBFH . Desmin and CD34 expression often cause interpretative difficulty which may lead to misdiagnosis. Our aim was to examine the incidence of desmin and CD34 expression in CBFH . Methods: One hundred consecutive cases of morphologically typical CBFH were retrieved from consultation files. Clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features were evaluated. Results: SMA positivity was found in tumor cells in 93 of 100 cases (93%). Desmin positivity was found in 32 of 100 cases (32%). CD34 was positive in 6 of 100 cases (6%). There was no evident correlation between immunophenotype and anatomic site or other clinical variables. Conclusion: Frequent desmin (32%) and occasional CD34 (6%) expression are encountered in CBFH . Desmin positivity can be explained on the basis of myofibroblastic differentiation. The occasional CD34 positivity in a subset of CBFH should not be a deterrent from making the correct pathologic diagnosis, based on characteristic morphologic features.