A large and aggressive fibromatosis in the axilla: a rare case report and review of the literature

Figures & data

Figure 1 Preoperative axillary photo of patient.

Notes: Before surgery, the large mass on the left axillary was visibly prominent (A and B). Arrows indicate the lesion of interest.

Figure 2 Imaging of ultrasound and MRI examination of breast.

Notes: (A) A low echo mass of 8×5 cm² can be seen in the left axilla by ultrasound examination. The boundary was unclear, and the shape was irregular. (B) The mass in the left axilla manifested as unclear boundary and unequal signal by MRI. T1W1 and T2W1 revealed mixed signal with uneven enhancement. Arrows indicate the lesion of interest.
Abbreviation: MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.

Figure 3 Imaging of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT.

Notes: The saccharometabolism of the left axillary mass was in homogeneously increased and the lesions were not clear with the boundary of musculi teres minor, subscapalaris and the scapula on the left. Left side vertical images (transverse section of the chest): The images from top to bottom are CT plain scan, PET plain scan, and the synthesis of PET and CT images. Upper right images (front projection of human body): The images from the second to the fourth are CT plain scan, PET plain scan, and the synthesis of PET and CT images. Lower right images (side projection of human body): The images from the second to the fourth are CT plain scan, PET plain scan, and the synthesis of PET and CT images.

Figure 4 Image of core needle biopsy histologic diagnosis using hematoxylin and eosin staining (scale bar =2,000 μm; original ×100).

Note: Glassy degeneration and focal vascular hyperplasia can be seen in the fibrous tissue.

Figure 5 Intraoperative photo of the mass.

Notes: (A) The complete appearance of the tumor. (B) Tumor section image. The mass was large (12×11 cm²), and the section of the mass was presented as fibrous tissue interleaving.

Figure 6 Image of paraffin pathology histologic diagnosis using hematoxylin and eosin staining (scale bar =2,000 μm; original ×100).

Notes: (A) An abundance of spindle cells is evident. (B) Tumor involvement in striated muscle is seen.

Figure 7 Expression of β-catenin, SMA, vimentin, and CD34 by IHC staining (scale bar =2,000 μm; original × 100).

Notes: (A) β-Catenin positive expression can be detected by IHC staining. (B) SMA positive expression can be detected by IHC staining. (D) CD34 positive expression can be detected by IHC staining.

Abbreviations: IHC, immunohistochemistry; SMA, smooth muscle actin.