Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH). A comparison of MFH in man and animals. A critical review

P. Schneider1, U. Busch2, H. Meister3, Q. Qasem3 and P.H. Wünsch4

1Hermann-Volz-Str.77, 2Köhlesrain 87/4, 3Practice for Pathology, District Hospital (Biberach/Riss 1, 2, 3) and 4Institute for Pathology, Clinicum Nürnberg, Germany

Offprint requests to: Dr. Peter Schneider, Hermann-Volz-Str.77, D-88400 Biberach/Riss. Germany

Summary. This review gives information about localization and types of MFH in man and animals such as mouse, rat, cat, dog, opossum, cattle, horse and birds [e.g. mallard (a wild duck)]. Furthermore, this paper reports about cell culture dealing with MFH.

The aim of this publication is to show that MFH originates from a primitive mesenchymal stem cell, fibroblastoid cell and fibroblasts. Histiocytes are, according to the literature in a small amount constituents of MFH and are reactive cells or without any meaning.

In our own studies using rats [strain: Chbb: THOM (SPF)] the characteristic storiform or cartwheel pattern of tumour cells were evident. The cells were elongated, rich in endoplasmic reticulum and possessed no or very few lysosomes. The cells were predominantly fibroblasts and fibroblastoid cells. These cells were intermingled with giant cells. In other species mentioned above, the MFH showed very similar histological features. Our own results and findings obtained from the literature support our concept that the MFH represents a primitive phenotype or pleomorphic sarcoma which may differentiate in one or more directions. Histiocytes are not a neoplastic component. Histol. Histopathol. 14, 845-860 (1999)

Key words: Malignant fibrous histiocytoma, MFH, Man, Animals, Electron microscopy

DOI: 10.14670/HH-14.845