Malignant mesenchymatous tumor of the abdominal cavity

Abstract

SUMMARY
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) represents a soft
tissue sarcoma originating from fibroblast cells, and is
characterized by a high rate of metastasis or recurrence.
The development of this tumor in the gastrointestinal tract
is a very rare entity. No more than 30 cases are described in
the litrature.
We report on a case of such tumor of the abdominal cavity
in a 45 year-old woman, presented with epigastric pain,
anorexia and weight loss. The CT-scanning revealed the
presence of multiple solid tumors in the peritoneal cavity.
On the exploratory laparotomy at least 15 solid whitish tumors
were found, attached to the wall of the small intestine,
as well as to the parietal peritoneum. In addition, there
were three metastases revealed in the liver. All tumors were
excised; most of them were about 10 cm in diameter. The
histopathologic study indicated the presence of a stromal
tumor consisting of spindle cells. The consequent immuno-
histo-chemical examination of the resected specimens
established the definite diagnosis of a pleomorphic malignant
fibrous histiocytoma.
The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful. She
received adjuvant chemotherapy and is still alive and in
good health two years later.
Key words: malignant fibrous histiocytoma, soft tissue tumors,
stromal tumors, sarcomas, storiform-pleomorphic lesions.