Malignant Solitary Fibrous Tumor

Malignant is defined as a tumor differentiated by uninhibited growth; cancerous, persistent or metastatic. A fibrous tumor indicates that it affects the fibrous tissues within the body. Although these tumors are rare, they can occur anywhere in the human anatomy. A solitary fibrous tumor greater than 10 inches in size should be monitored under close surveillance by a physician. There are multiple ways to remove malignant solitary fibrous tumors.

Solitary Fibrous Tumor

• Solitary fibrous tumors are uncommon and are found in several locations throughout the body. Most commonly they are located in the lungs, head, neck and pelvis. There are less aggressive and more aggressive forms of solitary fibrous tumors. Solitary fibrous tumors can easily grow from 6 to 10 inches or larger before symptoms are felt or reported. The most aggressive form is called malignant solitary fibrous tumor and is associated with metastatic disease in the bone, lungs or other locations.

Diagnosing Malignant Solitary Fibrous Tumors

• To establish treatment selections for malignant solitary fibrous tumors, various diagnostic techniques are performed. An in-depth interview regarding patient history is performed by a physician to gather information about symptoms and when they first appeared. Once a thorough medical history is obtained, a physical examination is performed. The physician will feel the area where the lumps or swelling are located and examine areas where the patient complains of pain. Blood and urine tests may be ordered. Imaging studies such as X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) are also ordered. To confirm a suspected malignant solitary fibrous tumor, a biopsy will be performed depending on the tumors location.

Surgical Treatment of Malignant Solitary Fibrous Tumors

• When malignant solitary fibrous tumors are found before they have the chance to spread to other organs, surgery may be an option. Surgical approach depends particularly to the tumors location. Physicians may perform a lymph node dissection to check the spread of the disease. When possible, the surgeon will remove the entire tumor.

Radiation Therapy for Malignant Solitary Fibrous Tumors

• When the malignant solitary fibrous tumor is unable to be removed surgically, radiation therapy may be used. Radiation therapy is a series of high dose X-rays that destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. In some cases radiation therapy will be performed either before or after surgery. When a malignant solitary fibrous tumor has metastasized to other parts of the body, external beam radiation may be used to minimize symptoms.

Chemotherapy for Malignant Solitary Fibrous Tumors

• Chemotherapy is only used as treatment for malignant solitary fibrous tumors in rare cases where it has spread all over the body. Systemic (reaching the entire body) chemotherapy may be used. When a solitary fibrous tumor develops in the liver, chemoembolization can be used. Chemotherapy is infused into the artery that supplies the diseased area of the liver and then blocked to keep the medication in that specific area.