Solitary fibrous tumor: an update on the spectrum of extrapleural manifestations

Abstract

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare tumor initially believed to be a benign localized pleural tumor of mesothelial origin. Over the past few years, the literature on this tumor has grown tremendously. The tumor is now reported in diverse bodily locations, and recognized to have a wider range of clinical and radiological features. The most common extrapleural sites of the tumor are the orbits and the extremities. Tumors are often well-circumscribed masses, and vary in size from 1 cm to over 30 cm. The admixture of histological components in the tumor, namely, fibrous tissue, cellular components, and highly vascularized areas consisting of numerous closely packed small to medium-sized blood vessels, influence the imaging appearances of the tumor. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumor is suggested by a well-circumscribed mass that has smooth margins, and focal or diffuse hypointense signal on T2-weighted imaging due to fibrous content in the tumor. SFTs demonstrate strong focal or diffuse contrast enhancement due to the highly vascularized areas in the tumor.