Malignant fibrous histiocytoma in the thoracic region--a clinico-pathologic investigation.

Seven cases of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH); 3 originating in the thoracic region, one which was considered to arise from the lung parenchyma, and 4 which were metastatic to the lungs, are presented herein. Six of these patients underwent surgical excision and analysis under light and electron microscopy revealed the lesions of MFH to be composed of two cell types; a fibroblast-like cell and a histiocyte-like cell. The latter showed histologically characteristic growth in a so-called storiform pattern. In all patients adjuvant chemotherapy was performed, although in only one patient did it prove temporarily effective. Despite the fact that the prognosis of MFH in the thoracic region is poor, the suggested therapy for longer survival is resection with postoperative combination chemotherapy including the use of sensitive anticancerous agents.