BACKGROUND: Fibrous histiocytomas of the corneoscleral limbus are rare tumors. We present an additional case and review the treatment approaches in the literature. So far, only light and electron microscopic studies have been performed. We used immunohistochemical stains to further characterize the cellular composition. METHODS: The excised lesion was routinely fixed and processed for light microscopy and immunohistochemical studies. For comparison, three dermal fibrous histiocytomas were also examined and processed similarly. RESULTS: The corneolimbal tumor was mainly composed of fibroblasts and histiocytes with a large amount of interstitial collagen, arranged in a storiform pattern. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for histiocytes, fibroblasts, and a marker for mesenchymal cells. The staining pattern of the dermal lesions was similar. CONCLUSION: Fibrous histiocytomas of the corneolimbal region are morphologically benign, slowly growing and infiltrative tumors. Complete resection, especially of the deep margin, is suggested. The immunohistochemical staining pattern is similar to that of dermal fibrous histiocytomas, which behave in a benign manner.
BACKGROUND: Fibrous histiocytomas of the corneoscleral limbus are rare tumors. We present an additional case and review the treatment approaches in the literature. So far, only light and electron microscopic studies have been performed. We used immunohistochemical stains to further characterize the cellular composition. METHODS: The excised lesion was routinely fixed and processed for light microscopy and immunohistochemical studies. For comparison, three dermal fibrous histiocytomas were also examined and processed similarly. RESULTS: The corneolimbal tumor was mainly composed of fibroblasts and histiocytes with a large amount of interstitial collagen, arranged in a storiform pattern. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for histiocytes, fibroblasts, and a marker for mesenchymal cells. The staining pattern of the dermal lesions was similar. CONCLUSION: Fibrous histiocytomas of the corneolimbal region are morphologically benign, slowly growing and infiltrative tumors. Complete resection, especially of the deep margin, is suggested. The immunohistochemical staining pattern is similar to that of dermal fibrous histiocytomas, which behave in a benign manner.