Solitary fibrous tumor of the oral soft tissues: a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of 16 cases

Abstract

We describe the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of 16 solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) originating within the oral soft tissues. There were 10 women and six men with a mean age at diagnosis of 56 years. In all cases the tumors were slow-growing, asymptomatic, submucosal growths of variable size and duration. The buccal mucosa was involved in 12 cases, and the tongue and lower lip were affected in two cases, respectively. Thirteen tumors developed on the left side of the mouth. Follow-up information was available in 10 cases and averaged 44.7 months, with no evidence of recurrence or metastasis. All 16 tumors were well circumscribed and demonstrated histologic features that were invariably benign. In all cases they were composed of an admixture of alternating hypercellular and hypocellular, collagenous zones; haphazardly arranged, cytologically bland spindle and ovoid cells that in areas were intimately intermixed with collagen; a prominent vasculature; and perivascular hyalinization. Immunohistochemically, the tumors were consistently positive for CD34, bcl-2, factor XIIIa, and vimentin, whereas 75% of the tumors were reactive for CD99. To further define the clinicopathologic profile of intraoral SFT, we include a review of the previously reported cases. We also include a comparison and brief review of the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of other spindle cell tumors of the oral cavity, from which SFTs must be differentiated.