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Professional Technical IVT

Atypical Fibroxanthoma

A low-grade cutaneous sarcoma typically occurring on sun-damaged skin of elderly patients, requiring wide surgical excision.

Full Definition

Atypical fibroxanthoma is a rare, low-grade cutaneous sarcoma that most commonly presents on the sun-damaged skin of elderly patients, particularly on the head and neck. While histologically aggressive-appearing, it has minimal metastatic potential when confined to the dermis. Surgical treatment involves wide local excision with clear margins, and the prognosis is excellent when completely excised. The tumor may be confused with other spindle cell lesions, making accurate histopathologic diagnosis crucial for appropriate surgical planning.

Usage

Usage note: Often abbreviated as AFX in clinical documentation.

In Context

  • "The pathology report confirmed atypical fibroxanthoma with clear surgical margins." — Surgical pathology report
  • "Wide local excision was performed for the atypical fibroxanthoma on the patient's temporal scalp." — Operative note

Also known as

AFX

Don't confuse with

malignant fibrous histiocytoma dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans spindle cell melanoma

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