Background: Nodular fasciitis is a reactive fibroblastic or myofibroblastic proliferative lesion that clinically and histologically can be misdiagnosed as a sarcoma. It is not familiar with dermatologist. Objective: We performed the study to review th...
Background: Nodular fasciitis is a reactive fibroblastic or myofibroblastic proliferative lesion that clinically and histologically can be misdiagnosed as a sarcoma. It is not familiar with dermatologist. Objective: We performed the study to review the clinical and histological characteristics of nodular fasciitis. Method: We reviewed the clinical and histopathological findings in sixteen patients with nodular fasciitis who visited Asan Medical Center during 10 years from 1989 to 1999. Results: l. Of the 16 patients, male to female sex ratio was 6:10. The mean age of onset was 29.9 years. 2. The mean duration of symptom was 4.5 months and in five patients the duration was less than one week. 3. Most frequently the upper extremity was involved, followed by the cheek. The maximum diameters of the most lesions were less than 3cm. 4. Histopathologically, nine cases showed subcutaneous type, five cases showed intramuscular type, and one case was suspected as an intradermal type. 5. Thirteen lesions were totally excised, and two lesions were only partially excised. There was no recurrence after the mean follow-up period of 27 months in thirteen patients. Conclusion:Nodular fasciitis is a benign disease, treated by simple or wide excision. Therefore, in those instances of apparent recurrence, reevaluation of the initial tissue specimen and the clinical course is needed for a correct diagnosis. (Korean J Dermatol 2001;39(1): 1~6)