Subungual pleomorphic fibroma: a case report and review of the literature

Dermatol Online J. 2016 Nov 15;22(11):13030/qt9w83z9bq.

Abstract

We describe an interesting case of pleomorphic fibroma of the subungual region in a middle aged woman who presented with a recurrence of thickening, lateral ridging, and a midline split of the right third fingernail, 20 years after initial excision. Histology of the specimen demonstrated hyperchromatic stellate cells within the superficial corneum, which were CD34 positive, consistent with a pleomorphic fibroma. Pleomorphic fibroma is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm characterized by atypical spindled cells amidst a collagenous stroma. It is a benign, slow growing tumor that has only been reported in the subungual region twice previously. Although histology may show cellular atypia, the slow-growing benign nature of the tumor, reassuring features histologically i.e low cellularity, and lack of myxomatous change in the stroma, make a conservative approach to therapy reasonable.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Fibroma / diagnosis*
  • Fibroma / pathology
  • Fingers*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nail Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Nail Diseases / pathology
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology