Primary Laryngeal Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma: Review of the Literature and Report of Seven Cases

Abstract

After describing 4 new cases of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the larynx (3 cases had been recently published), the authors review the literature, from which it appears that 16 such lesions of the larynx have been reported (including their 7 cases). Malignant fibrous histiocytoma usually occurs in the soft tissues, tendons and joints of the upper and lower extremities, and is uncommon in the head and neck--though not exceptional. The lesion is a mesenchymal tumor probably of histiocytic origin and may be divided into 6 subtypes, i.e., pleomorphic, fibrous, giant cell, angiomatoid, myxoid and inflammatory, to be distinguished on the basis of the predominant feature. The tumor has an aggressive biologic behavior as it tends to recur and to metastasize to distant organs. The treatment of choice is surgery and adjuvant combination chemotherapy which at times may improve the survival rate.

Benign fibrous histiocytoma of the larynx: presentation of a case and review of the literature

“…(Ferlito, 1983). In MFH there are numerous typical and atypical mitotic figures, often with prominent areas of haemorrhage and necrosis.…”

Inflammatory Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma Associated with Leukemoid Reaction or Leukocytosis: A Comprehensive Review

“…The regimen consisted of cyclophosphamide in all cases, with additional doxorubicin, and methotrexate in the 1st case, with vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone in the 2nd case, with doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone in the 3rd, and with additional vincristine, and doxorubicin in the 4th case. They further suggested that inflammatory variant of malignant fibrous histiocytoma could be responsive to chemotherapy [25, 29, 30]. Phase II randomized trials conducted by The Sarcoma Alliance for Research Through Collaboration have shown that the combination of gemcitabine and docetaxel produced a 36% response rate (4 out 11 patients); this combination could be used for those patients refractory to cyclophosphamide/ifosfamide-based therapy.…”

Benign fibrous histiocytoma of larynx: A rare cause of acute airway obstruction

“…[2] It is uncommon in the head and neck region[2] and rare in the larynx. It has been reported that biopsy specimens of malignant fibrous histiocytoma in the head and neck region were initially diagnosed as fibrosarcomas or osteosarcomas.…”

“…It has been reported that biopsy specimens of malignant fibrous histiocytoma in the head and neck region were initially diagnosed as fibrosarcomas or osteosarcomas. [3–4] It is a mesenchymal tumor probably of histiocytic origin and may be divided into six subtypes,[2] i.e., pleomorphic, fibrous, giant cell, angiomatoid, myxoid and inflammatory, to be distinguished on the basis of the predominant feature. Surgery is the treatment of choice as radiotherapy and chemotherapy is not effective.…”