Recurrent digital fibroma of childhood.

Four cases of recurrent digital fibroma of childhood are presented, bringing the total of reported cases to 79. From our material and a review of the literature, the most characteristic features of this entity are delineated. There is no predilection for either sex. Seventy-three percent (58 cases) occurred under one year of age with 14 observed at birth; only four patients were over 5-years-old and the oldest was 15. The localization is highly diagnostic, being limited to the second to fifth carpal and pedal digits and no reported involvement of thumbs or great toes. Two cases were observed in the sole and ulnar side of the hand but associated with others in classical locations. In 50% of cases, the lesions are single at the time of diagnosis. The recurrence rate, based upon cases with adequate follow-up, was found to be 75%. To our knowledge no metastasis has ever been reported. The histology is that of well-differentiated fibroblastic tumor with pathognomonic eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusion bodies. A review of the available electron microscopic data is presented and the histogenesis is discussed.