Steel Andrea, Debbaneh Maya, Cassarino David
Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado, Denver, CO.
Deparment of Pathology, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Los Angeles, CA.
Am J Dermatopathol. 2019 Aug;41(8):e87-e89. doi: 10.1097/DAD.0000000000001392.
Atypical fibroxanthomas (AFX) are rare cutaneous tumors, which typically present as a solitary ulcerated papule or nodule on sun-damaged skin. Despite malignant-appearing features on histology, AFX typically pursue a benign clinical course. In rare instances, AFX can form collision tumors with other lesions. However, to the best of our knowledge, AFX in collision with a nevus has never been previously reported. In this study, we describe such a lesion for its novelty and challenge in diagnosis, as this case was originally considered to be melanoma arising in a nevus. On histologic examination, there were 2 distinct populations of cells; one composed of markedly atypical and pleomorphic epithelioid and oval to spindled cells, consistent with AFX, and the other, a bland-appearing intradermal nevus with congenital features. The AFX population stained positive with smooth muscle actin, CD10, and CD68 and was negative for S100, SOX10, Melan-A, desmin, pancytokeratin, CK5/6, and p63. Deep to this was a second population of small, bland-appearing melanocytes in a broad, band-like distribution. This unusual collision tumor between AFX and an intradermal nevus highlights the important role immunohistochemistry plays in avoiding the misdiagnosis and potential overtreatment of benign or low-grade lesions, and in identifying potential mimickers.