Fibroblastic/myofibroblastic tumors

Abstract

Fibroblastic/myofibroblastic tumors represent a very large subset of mesenchymal tumors. Diagnosis relies on histopathology often with additional immunohistochemic and genetic testing. Some benign lesions such as elastofibroma, fibromatosis colli, ischemic fasciitis and nuchal fibroma can be recognized by the radiologist combining specific imaging findings with location, clinical history and age of the patient. Other benign lesions such as myositis ossificans, nodular fasciitis, proliferative fasciitis and proliferative myositis may have a pseudosarcomatous appearance and follow-up exams demonstrating size reduction and increase of the T2-hypointense collagenous parts or ossification (tumor involution/maturation) are an essential part of the diagnostic process. The role of imaging for aggressive fibromatosis, other intermediate and malignant tumors mainly consists of defining tumor size, location and infiltration of neighbouring tissues, and post treatment follow up.