Plaque-like Myofibroblastic Tumor: 2 Cases of This Unusual Dermal Tumor Which Occurs in Infancy and Early Childhood

Abstract

Plaque-like myofibroblastic tumor (PLMT) is a rare dermal spindle cell tumor which occurs in infancy or childhood within the first 4 years of life. The tumor is often pruritic and mostly presents on the lower back. We describe 2 cases with characteristic clinical and histological features of this entity, thus adding to the 10 cases which have so far been reported. Histologically, the lesion resembles a dermatofibroma. However, diffuse and uniform immunohistochemical staining with smooth muscle actin favors a myofibroblastic lineage. PLMT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a dermal spindle cell tumor in the pediatric age-group.

Plaque‐like myofibroblastic tumor, a rare entity of childhood: Possible pitfalls in differential diagnosis

“…It appears as a slowly growing plaque reaching sometimes several (2‐9) centimeters in diameter, made up of multiple nodules. PLMT is generally asymptomatic, sometimes itchy, or mildly painful …”

“…To the best of our knowledge, only 12 cases of PLMT have been reported so far. [1][2][3][4][5] Though one case was diagnosed in an adult patient 4 who presented it from 3 years of age, PLMT is usually diagnosed during the first years of life. In most cases (n = 9/12) and also in our patient PLMT appeared in infancy and in 3/12 cases in the first 4 years of life.…”

“…In most cases (n = 9/12) and also in our patient PLMT appeared in infancy and in 3/12 cases in the first 4 years of life. [1][2][3][4][5] Abbreviations: DF, dermatofibroma; DFSP, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans; PLMT, plaque-like myofibroblastic tumor; SMA, smooth muscle actin.…”

“…4 The clinical appearance of our patient closely resembled some of the previously reported cases. [1][2][3][4][5] The etiology of PLMT is unclear. 2 The diagnosis is allowed by clinical findings, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry; radiological imaging can provide additional clues.…”

“…First described in 2007, PLMT is a rare, benign soft tissue tumor that has been seldom reported in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, only 12 cases of PLMT have been reported so far . Though one case was diagnosed in an adult patient who presented it from 3 years of age, PLMT is usually diagnosed during the first years of life.…”