Fibrous Hamartoma of Infancy
Also written as: FHI — Fibrous Hamartoma of Infancy
A benign fibroblastic soft-tissue lesion of early childhood composed of three characteristic tissue components: fibrous trabeculae, myxoid areas, and immature round cells.
Full Definition
Fibrous hamartoma of infancy (FHI) is a distinctive benign mesenchymal tumour that presents almost exclusively within the first two years of life, most commonly in the axilla, shoulder, or inguinal region. Its hallmark is a triphasic histological pattern consisting of organoid islands of dense fibrous tissue, primitive myxoid areas, and nests of small round immature cells embedded within mature adipose tissue. Despite its occasionally alarming cellularity, FHI follows a benign clinical course and is treated with local excision. Editors should note that 'hamartoma' in this context denotes a specific clinicopathological entity and is not a generic synonym for any congenital tissue overgrowth. Accurate use of the full designation 'fibrous hamartoma of infancy' is preferred to avoid confusion with other paediatric soft-tissue tumours.
Usage
Usage note: Always use the full term on first mention; 'FHI' is acceptable on subsequent reference within the same document.
In Context
- "The excised axillary mass in this 8-month-old demonstrated the classic triphasic pattern diagnostic of fibrous hamartoma of infancy." — Paediatric surgical pathology report
- "Fibrous hamartoma of infancy should not be confused with infantile fibromatosis, which carries a greater risk of local recurrence." — Pathology textbook chapter