Hyalinizing spindle cell tumor with giant rosettes: report of a case showing remarkable myofibroblastic differentiation

Spectrum of low-grade fibrosarcomas: a comparative ultrastructural analysis of low-grade myxofibrosarcoma and fibromyxoid sarcoma

Low-grade fibrosarcomas have recently gained increasing attention in the literature, especially with the fall in popularity polls of the ubiquitous malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH). Firstly, most tumors previously known as myxoid MFH are labeled presently as myxofibrosarcomas. Secondly, the recognition and better understanding of a family of fibrosing-type fibrosarcoma, encompassing 3 members: fibromyxoid sarcoma (FMS), hyalinizing spindle cell tumor with giant rosettes (HSTGR), and sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF). To expand further their understanding of the overlapping and distinct features of members included in the spectrum of low-grade fibrosarcoma, the authors carried out a comparative ultrastructural study among 15 low-grade myxofibrosarcomas (MFS) and 12 fibromyxoid sarcomas (FMS), after review of pathology and confirmation of diagnosis. The ultrastructural findings of the LG MFS identified spindle to plump cells, with abundant cytoplasm, rich in well-developed RER cisternae, often distended and sometimes cystically dilated, containing an electronlucent granular material. These results were in keeping with a well-differentiated fibroblastic-type cell phenotype. In addition, a less prominent cellular component included cells with RER, well-developed Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and filopodia. These latter features define a fibroblastic variant with histiocytic-like properties, also known as histiofibroblasts. Myofibroblastic differentiation was quite limited and mostly absent in most of the cases. In summary, these findings recapitulate a similar spectrum with the cell constituents of so-called MFH. In contrast, the fine microscopic findings of the 12 FMS cases showed an inactive or more primitive form of fibroblastic type cells. The RER cisternae were generally underdeveloped, as expected for a generic fibroblastic-type proliferation. The cytoplasm was scant and showed a paucity of organelles, with the exception of abundant arrays of vimentin-type intermediate filaments. The very long, thin cell processes, sometimes associated with pinocytotic vesicles, were reminiscent of perineurioma ultrastructure.

Hyalinizing Spindle Cell Tumor with Giant Rosettes: A Case Report

Hyalinizing spindle cell tumor with giant rosettes (HSCTGR) is characterized by both giant rosette-like structures with collagen cores sparsely distributed throughout the tumor and fibromyxoid stroma. It is a rare low-grade sarcoma with indolent behavior, and wide excision with long-term follow-up is the best treatment. Although originally considered a distinct entity, it is now regarded as a variant of low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma. We present a case of HSCTGR arising in the deep soft tissue of the left knee in a 50-year-old woman and provide a brief review of the literature for comparison.