| Atypical fibroxanthoma | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Atypical fibrous histiocytoma |
 | |
| Atypical fibroxanthoma | |
| Specialty | Oncology, rheumatology  |
| Symptoms | Ulceration or bleeding.[1] |
| Usual onset | Seventh or eighth decade of life.[1] |
| Risk factors | Sun exposure, old age, and xeroderma pigmentosum.[1] |
| Diagnostic method | Skin biopsy and immunohistochemical studies.[1] |
| Differential diagnosis | Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, amelanotic melanoma, pyogenic granuloma, and adnexal tumors.[1] |
| Treatment | Surgical excision.[1] |
Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) of the skin is a low-grade malignancy related to malignant fibrous histiocytoma, which it resembles histologically.[2]: 613 Atypical fibroxanthoma manifests as a hard, pink or red papule or nodule that grows over the course of several months and may bleed or ulcerate. They typically occur on the head and neck. Atypical fibroxanthoma is usually asymptomatic.
The exact cause of atypical fibroxanthoma is unknown. They may originate from myofibroblasts. Ultraviolet light and sun exposure are most likely risk factors. Atypical fibroxanthoma has also been associated with P53 mutations, xeroderma pigmentosum, radiation therapy, trauma, and immunosuppression.
Because atypical fibroxanthoma is an uncommon condition that can mimic other disorders, skin biopsy is used to make the diagnosis. Treatment involves surgical excision. Atypical fibroxanthoma is more common in men than women and usually appears in the seventh or eighth decade of life.
- ^ a b c d e f "UpToDate". UpToDate. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
- ^ James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. (10th ed.). Saunders. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.