ABSTRACT

Elastofibroma is a rare, slowly growing non-neoplastic soft tissue tumor, located mostly at the interscapular region in elderly patients. Histologically, it is composed of fragmented and plump elastic fibers dispersed in a loose stroma. Various methods have been suggested for the diagnosis and management. In this study, a series of five cases of elastofibroma is presented because of its rarity and interesting histopathological features; discussing the role of tru-cut biopsy in the diagnosis and management with reference to the literature. Sections from five elastofibroma cases were morphologically, histochemically and immunohistochemically studied staining with hematoxylin-eosin, Elastica van Gieson, and orcein stains and vimentin, CD34, actin, desmin, S100 immunantibodies. Clinical and gross examination data were obtained retrospectively from the request forms and report archives.Characteristically shaped elastic fibers were stained with Elastica von Gieson and orcein, whereas the stromal cells were immunpositive with vimentin and CD34, supporting the diagnosis of elastofibroma both in the tru-cut biopsy and excision material. In soft tissue masses bigger than 5 cm, a diagnosis of elastofibroma is more securely made with tru-cut biopsy compared with radiological methods.