Plexiform Fibrohistiocytic Neoplasm

Also known as: plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumors, PFHT, PFT

What are plexiform fibrohistiocytic neoplasms?

Plexiform fibrohistiocytic neoplasms, also known as plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumors, are a rare form of cancer that impacts the skin and tissue beneath the skin. They most commonly affect the arms but can also develop in the legs, trunk, head or neck.

What causes plexiform fibrohistiocytic neoplasms?

Like most forms of cancer, plexiform fibrohistiocytic neoplasms develop due to changes in a cell’s DNA. What specifically causes these changes to occur isn’t clear.

What are the symptoms of plexiform fibrohistiocytic neoplasms?

Plexiform fibrohistiocytic neoplasms tend to grow slowly and don’t cause any symptoms early on. In most cases, the tumors present as a painless lump beneath the skin as they grow larger, though they can cause other symptoms such as pain in rare cases.

How can plexiform fibrohistiocytic neoplasms affect children?

Plexiform fibrohistiocytic neoplasms can develop at any age, but they primarily affect children and young adults. Around 80% of cases are found in females.

What are plexiform fibrohistiocytic neoplasm treatments?

Surgery to remove the tumor and any surrounding affected tissue is the standard treatment for plexiform fibrohistiocytic neoplasms.

Reviewed by: Maggie Fader, MD

This page was last updated on: November 03, 2023 01:59 PM