How to Treat Histiocytoma

Introduction

A histiocytoma originates from histiocytes. The most common type of histiocytoma is a malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), which account for up to 24 percent of all soft tissue sarcomas. MFHs are classified into five subtypes by histology: angiomatoid, giant cell, inflammatory, myxoid and storiform. The prognosis of a histiocytoma is determined primarily by the tumor's grade, size and degree of metastasis. The following steps will show how to treat a histiocytoma.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Steps

1

Step One

Treat most histiocytomas surgically. The aggressive nature of these tumors usually requires prompt action to completely remove it. The preferred technique is a radical or wide resection and followed by close monitoring with Magnetic Resonance Imaging to check for recurrence.

2

Step Two

Consult with the orthopedic surgeon before performing a biopsy on a suspected histiocytoma. The biopsy tract may need to be removed along with the mass in some cases, and an orthopedic consultation can minimize the extent of the surgery.

3

Step Three

Verify that a dermatofibroma is benign. This type of histiocytoma on the skin rarely requires treatment after it has been definitively identified. The patient should report any changes to a physician as with any skin lesion.

4

Step Four

Use complete excision, including the subcutaneous fat on dermatofibromas that have not been diagnosed, are cosmetically unacceptable or are particularly symptomatic. A biopsy shaped like an inverted pyramid can be cosmetically desirable and still provide enough tissue for a histological analysis.

5

Step Five

Treat dermatofibromas with shaving or cryosurgery for cosmetic reasons. However, the chance of recurrence is more likely with these procedures.