How to Treat Histiocytoma

A histiocytoma originates from histiocytes. The most common type of histiocytoma is a malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), which account for up to 24 percent of all soft tissue sarcomas. MFHs are classified into five subtypes by histology: angiomatoid, giant cell, inflammatory, myxoid and storiform. The prognosis of a histiocytoma is determined primarily by the tumor's grade, size and degree of metastasis. The following steps will show how to treat a histiocytoma.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Treat most histiocytomas surgically. The aggressive nature of these tumors usually requires prompt action to completely remove it. The preferred technique is a radical or wide resection and followed by close monitoring with Magnetic Resonance Imaging to check for recurrence.
2. Consult with the orthopedic surgeon before performing a biopsy on a suspected histiocytoma. The biopsy tract may need to be removed along with the mass in some cases, and an orthopedic consultation can minimize the extent of the surgery.
3. Verify that a dermatofibroma is benign. This type of histiocytoma on the skin rarely requires treatment after it has been definitively identified. The patient should report any changes to a physician as with any skin lesion.
4. Use complete excision, including the subcutaneous fat on dermatofibromas that have not been diagnosed, are cosmetically unacceptable or are particularly symptomatic. A biopsy shaped like an inverted pyramid can be cosmetically desirable and still provide enough tissue for a histological analysis.
5. Treat dermatofibromas with shaving or cryosurgery for cosmetic reasons. However, the chance of recurrence is more likely with these procedures.