- 1Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- 2Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
Background: Dendritic fibromyxolipoma (DFML) represents a benign lipomatous tumor. Its rarity and distinctive morphology can lead to misinterpretation of other mesenchymal malignancies, which may result in unnecessary aggressive treatments.
Case presentation: A 39-year-old male presented with a left mammary mass that had been noticed 1 year earlier. Chest computed tomography identified a nodule characterized by fat density in the left mammary region. The initial clinical impression was gynecomastia. A local excision of the left mammary mass was subsequently performed. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of DFML. Post-surgical follow-up over 38 months showed no recurrence.
Conclusion: DFML is a benign lipomatous tumor with unique morphological features. Complete surgical excision typically leads to no recurrence. This report documents the first known instance of DFML in the mammary gland of a male patient. Furthermore, an analysis of 95 previously documented cases of DFML was conducted. It is strongly advocated that the World Health Organization reclassify DFML as a mucinous subtype of spindle cell lipoma. This reclassification would improve the understanding of DFML and help avoid unnecessary aggressive treatments due to misdiagnosis as a malignancy.
Background
Dendritic fibromyxolipoma (DFML) is an uncommon and distinct benign lipomatous neoplasm. Initially reported by Suster et al. (1), fewer than 100 cases have been documented thus far. Nevertheless, this tumor is not yet included in the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Soft Tissue and Bone Tumors (2). The cytogenetic features of DFML align with those of spindle cell lipomas (SCL), indicating that DFML might be categorized as a mucinous subtype of SCL. It is advocated that the WHO recognize DFML as a specific subtype of SCL to enhance the definition and understanding of this tumor.
Case demonstration
A 39-year-old male reported a left mammary mass first observed 1 year earlier. Initially, the mass measured about 1 cm, without accompanying redness, swelling, or pain, and no nipple discharge or bleeding was noted. The patient denied experiencing chills, fever, fatigue, appetite loss, low-grade fever, night sweats, chest tightness, chest pain, or respiratory difficulties. Over the year, the mass enlarged to 4 cm. The patient sought further evaluation and management at our institution. Throughout the symptom duration, the patient’s mental state, appetite, and sleep patterns remained unchanged, with normal bowel and urinary functions. On admission, the physical examination documented the following vital signs: temperature 36.5 °C, pulse 72 beats/min, respiratory rate 18 breaths/min, and blood pressure 135/84 mmHg. A detailed examination of the mammary area revealed multiple nodules in both mammary glands. In the left mammary gland, at approximately the 8 o’clock position, a 48 mm× 30 mm× 13 mm mass with well-defined margins was detected. The right mammary gland had a larger nodule measuring approximately 12 mm× 5 mm, located at the 12 o’clock position, approximately 30 mm from the nipple. Multiple well-defined nodules were also palpated in both axillary regions.
After admission, bilateral breast ultrasound revealed the following findings: No significant glandular-like echoes were detected posterior to the bilateral nipples. A mixed-echo mass measuring approximately 48 mm × 30 mm × 13 mm was identified in the left chest wall, near the nipple at about the 8 o’clock position within the muscular layer. The mass exhibited clear boundaries but poor sound transmission in its liquid portion. Punctate low-echo areas were noted within the mass, and no significant internal blood flow signals were detected; however, punctate blood flow signals were observed peripherally. The largest nodule on the right side measured approximately 13 mm × 4 mm, while the largest on the left side was approximately 13 mm × 6 mm. These nodules displayed punctate and linear blood flow signals. Multiple solid hypoechoic nodules with clear boundaries, flat morphology, and distinct cortical-medullary differentiation were detected in both axillary regions. The mixed-echo mass in the left chest wall warranted further investigation based on the ultrasound findings. Additional imaging studies were recommended for a more comprehensive evaluation.
The subsequent chest computed tomography (CT) (Figures 1, 2) revealed the following findings: A subcutaneous nodule measuring approximately 15 mm × 25 mm with fat density was observed in the left chest wall. The nodule exhibited slightly blurred margins and showed no significant enhancement on contrast-enhanced scanning. Small nodular foci and cord-like density increases were noted in both lungs, predominantly in the upper lobes, without abnormal enhancement on contrast-enhanced scanning. Partial bronchiectasis was observed in the left upper lobe, and multiple areas of decreased density were seen in both lungs. The trachea and lobar bronchi were patent. The mediastinum was centrally positioned, and no enlarged lymph nodes were detected in the mediastinum or bilateral hilar regions. The heart size and morphology appeared normal. A peripherally enhancing nodule was observed in the right lobe of the liver within the scanned area. Moreover, CT findings suggested the following diagnoses: (1) A subcutaneous fat-containing nodule in the left chest wall, consistent with lipoma or angiolipoma; (2) Secondary pulmonary tuberculosis in both lungs, primarily characterized by fibroproliferative foci, with partial bronchiectasis in the left upper lobe and multiple areas of emphysema in both lungs; and (3) A lesion in the right lobe of the liver, suspected to be a hemangioma. Additionally, chest radiography, electrocardiogram, complete blood count, electrolytes, liver and kidney function tests, coagulation profile, and hepatitis B panel showed no significant abnormalities. Tests for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C were all negative.
Figure 1. Chest CT scan showing a subcutaneous nodule measuring approximately 15 mm × 25 mm with fat density in the left chest wall. The nodule’s margins appear slightly blurred.
Figure 2. Contrast-enhanced chest CT scan showing no significant enhancement of the left chest wall nodule.
After the patient’s admission and completion of pertinent examinations, clinical consideration initially leaned towards gynecomastia. Consequently, an excision of the left mammary mass coupled with fascia flap reconstruction was undertaken. Intraoperatively, a solitary mass was identified at the 8 o’clock position within the left mammary gland. The mass, approximately 5 cm × 3 cm in size, exhibited an intact capsule, soft texture, clear boundaries, and was mobile. It was meticulously separated and completely excised, along with some adjacent glandular tissue.
Postoperatively, the excised tumor mass was submitted for histopathological examination. Gross examination revealed an oval-shaped mass with distinct boundaries, measuring 47 mm × 32 mm × 13 mm. The mass displayed a grayish-yellow to grayish-white coloration. The cut surface exhibited a solid consistency, varying from soft to medium in texture, with a gelatinous or myxoid appearance.
Under low magnification (Figures 3, 4), a mixture of small spindle cells, stellate cells, and mature adipocytes in varying proportions was noted against a background of myxoid stroma and cord-like (scar-like) collagen fibers. The adipocytes were fully differentiated, with no presence of immature lipoblasts or adipocytes at other stages of differentiation. The tumor stroma contained numerous thin-walled small blood vessels, occasionally forming clusters, and scattered mast cells. Under high magnification (Figures 5, 6), the spindle and stellate cells exhibited small, hyperchromatic nuclei without signs of atypia or mitotic activity. Characteristic stellate-shaped tumor cells with long, dendritic cytoplasmic processes were distributed within the myxoid stroma.
Figure 3. Under low magnification, small spindle cells, stellate cells, and mature adipocytes are observed within a myxoid stroma and a cord-like (scar-like) collagen fiber background. H&E × 4.
Figure 4. Microscopic examination reveals numerous thin-walled small blood vessels in the tumor stroma, occasionally appearing in clusters. H&E × 20.4.
Figure 5. High magnification reveals spindle and stellate cells with small, darkly stained nuclei without atypia or mitotic figures. H&E × 400.
Figure 6. Characteristic stellate-shaped tumor cells with slender dendritic-like cytoplasm are observed within the myxoid stroma. H&E × 400.
Immunohistochemical analysis showed that both spindle cells and stellate cells were strongly positive for vimentin (Figure 7) and CD34 (Figure 8), displaying prominent dendritic cytoplasmic processes. BCL-2 showed diffuse/focal positivity. Some mature adipocytes were positive for S-100, while scattered mast cells were positive for CD117. The Ki-67 proliferation index was consistently < 1%. Negative results were obtained for CK, desmin, SMA, HMB-45, MDM2, CDK4, p16, β-catenin, and STAT6.
Figure 7. Stellate and dendritic cells show strong positive staining for vimentin, outlining the contours of the dendritic cells. EnVision ×400.
Figure 8. Stellate and dendritic cells show strong positive staining for CD34, highlighting the contours of the dendritic cells. EnVision ×400.
Molecular testing (Figure 9) via fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis identified a deletion in the 13q14region of the tumor, indicative of RB1 gene loss.100 tumor cells were counted, 2 red signals 18, 1 red signal 82. RB1(13q14) gene deletion ratio:82%, (Note: deletion ratio greater than the threshold of 20% is defined as positive, indicating deletion).
Figure 9. FISH analysis reveals a deletion in the 13q14region of the tumor (a nucleus with 2 red signals is no deletion, and a nucleus with 1 red signal is deletion).
Considering the clinical history, histomorphological features, immunohistochemical findings, and molecular testing results, the diagnosis is (left mammary) DFML.
Postoperatively, the patient’s overall condition remained satisfactory. A 38-month follow-up period showed no recurrence.
Discussion
The search results from PubMed, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were analyzed using the search terms “dendritic fibromyxolipoma” or “DFML.” The inclusion criteria were case reports or case series of patients with DFML. The exclusion criteria were commentaries, news articles, letters, and articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria. Between 1998 and June 16, 2021, a total of 39 articles were identified. Among these, 18 English-language articles reported 31 cases, while 21 Chinese-language articles reported 64 cases. Collectively, 95 cases of DFML have been reported (Table 1).
DFML is a rare benign lipogenic tumor. A statistical analysis was conducted on 95 cases of DFML presented in Table 1, providing the most comprehensive and systematic analysis and summary to date of its clinical presentation characteristics, pathological features, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy findings, and molecular genetic characteristics.
Clinical features
Age and gender
DFML predominantly impacts middle-aged and elderly males, with onset ages ranging from 2 to 81 years. The mean and median age of onset is 52 years. Female patients generally develop the condition at a younger age than males (median age of 46 years for females and 54 years for males). The male-to-female ratio is 72:23 (3.13:1).
Site of occurrence
DFML typically appears in the superficial subcutaneous tissues throughout the body, frequently in the head and neck, shoulders, back, and extremities. Additionally, it can manifest in the chest wall, axilla, and buttocks. It has also been documented in the submucosal layer of the stomach (28, 39), intramuscularly (14, 15), and within the abdominal cavity (23, 25, 41). The case described here, located in the male mammary gland, is the first recorded instance of DFML in mammary tissue Figure 10.
Tumor diameter and growth rate
Tumor diameters range from 1 to 20 cm, with an average size of 5.6 cm. The growth pattern can be static, slow-growing, or exhibit rapid enlargement over a short period.
Pathological characteristics
Gross examination
DFML typically manifests with well-defined borders, either partially or completely encapsulated by a thin capsule. The tumor size varies from 1 to 20 cm in diameter, averaging 5.6 cm. Cross-sectional analysis reveals the tumor to be grayish-white to grayish-yellow, with a soft to medium consistency. Most cases display a gelatinous or myxoid appearance, although some may exhibit cystic changes (37).
Microscopic features
Microscopic examination of DFML reveals a mix of small spindle cells, stellate cells, and mature adipocytes in varying proportions, set within a myxoid stroma and cord-like (scar-like) collagen fibers. Under high magnification, the spindle and stellate cells present small, hyperchromatic nuclei without atypia or mitotic figures. Notably, the stellate tumor cells feature slender dendritic-like cytoplasmic processes extending into the myxoid stroma. The tumor contains thin-walled small blood vessels, sometimes clustered, and scattered mast cells throughout the stroma (37). In this particular case, dendritic fibers are prominently highlighted under microscopic examination, especially when stained with vimentin and CD34 immunohistochemistry, appearing more pronounced than previously reported.
Electron microscope features
Electron microscopy reveals characteristic tumor cells with dendritic cytoplasmic processes resembling fibroblasts. These cells are rich in Golgi apparatus, rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and scattered intermediate filaments. Localized pinocytotic activity is observed in the cytoplasmic processes, which lack basement membrane material (1).
Immunophenotype
In DFML, spindle and stellate tumor cells exhibit high expression of vimentin and CD34. Staining for vimentin and CD34 highlights the cytoplasmic projections of these characteristic tumor cells, giving them a distinct dendritic appearance. BCL-2 is diffusely or focally positive in both spindle and dendritic cells of DFML (42). CD117 marks scattered mast cells within the stroma, and some mature adipocytes test positive for S-100. Tumor cells do not express epithelial (CK), myogenic (desmin, SMA), neurogenic (CD56, NSE) markers, well-differentiated/dedifferentiated liposarcoma markers (MDM2, CDK4, p16), or solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) markers (β-catenin, STAT6). The Ki-67 proliferation index remains below 1%. In this case, spindle and stellate tumor cells were strongly positive for vimentin and CD34, and negative for CK, desmin, SMA, HMB-45, MDM2, CDK4, p16, β-catenin, and STAT6.
Molecular genetics
Among the 95 reported cases of DFML, only one study performed FISH analysis on chromosome 13q14.3, which revealed a deletion of the D13S319 fragment in this region (12). A few studies tested the MDM2 gene and DDIT3 fusion gene to distinguish between liposarcoma and myxoid liposarcoma (MLS), but no deletions or mutations were identified (35). In this case, FISH analysis confirmed a deletion in the 13q14region, indicating the loss of the RB1 gene.
Chromosome 13q14.3 encodes the RB1 gene, and deletions or rearrangements in this region are commonly observed in SCL. Additionally, such genetic alterations are seen in atypical spindle cell/pleomorphic lipomatous tumors, cellular angiofibroma, mammary-type myofibroblastoma, and digital fibromyxoma (43).
Given that DFML and SCL share identical molecular genetic characteristics (13q14.3 deletion), along with similar clinical, pathological, and immunophenotypic features, it has been proposed that DFML is essentially a mucinous subtype of SCL (9). Consequently, a strong recommendation has been reiterated for the next edition of the WHO classification to categorize DFML as a mucinous subtype of SCL.
Differential diagnosis
The morphology of DFML is distinct and rare, with pathological features that resemble various benign and malignant soft tissue tumors, leading to potential misdiagnosis in clinical pathology. Differentiation from the following tumors is essential:
(1) SCL: DFML and SCL are highly similar. However, SCL lacks significant myxoid stroma and characteristic dendritic cytoplasmic projections (44). Despite this, DFML can be regarded as a spindle cell variant subtype of SCL.
(2) MLS: DFML does not contain the diagnostic lipoblasts found in MLS. MLS cells are S-100 positive and CD34 negative, whereas DFML is strongly CD34 positive. Additionally, over 90% of MLS cases exhibit DDIT3 fusion genes when tested by FISH (45).
(3) Myxoma: The fibrous components and myxoid stroma of myxoma are nearly identical to those of DFML. However, myxoma contains almost no mature adipocytes, and CD34 expression in myxoma is generally only focally positive.
(4) Myxoid SFT: Tumor cells in SFT are arranged alternately in cell-rich and cell-sparse areas, with some regions displaying typical hemangiopericytoma-like changes. Mature adipocytes are nearly absent in the tumor. Immunophenotypically, SFT is positive for STAT6, β-catenin (11), and CD99. If necessary, molecular detection of the NAB2-STAT6 fusion gene (46), which is relatively specific to SFT, can be performed for differential diagnosis.
In this case, the diagnosis of DFML is confirmed by integrating histopathological features, immunohistochemical results, and molecular testing findings.
Treatment and prognosis
DFML exhibits favorable biological behavior, and local excision of the mass is generally curative. Among the 95 cases reported in the literature, only 2 instances of recurrence were documented, likely due to incomplete surgical resection (7, 21). In the present case, the patient’s overall condition was satisfactory post-surgery, with no recurrence observed during a 38-month follow-up period.
Conclusion
DFML is a rare and morphologically distinctive benign lipoma that primarily affects the superficial soft tissues of middle-aged and elderly males. Clinically, complete excision of the tumor typically suffices for treatment, with no recurrence or metastasis generally observed. Due to its rarity and unique morphological characteristics, DFML can easily be mistaken for various tumors with similar morphology. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that the WHO classify DFML as a mucinous subtype of SCL. This reclassification would improve the understanding of DFML and prevent potential overtreatment resulting from misdiagnosis as a malignant tumor.
Data availability statement
The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.
Ethics statement
Ethical approval was not required for the studies on humans in accordance with the local legislation and institutional requirements because only retrospective studies were conducted. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images.
Author contributions
XL: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. DW: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. XT: Writing – review & editing. TX: Writing – review & editing. QG: Writing – review & editing. SL: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. JW: Writing – review & editing.
Funding
The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article. This study was supported by Medical Research Union Found for High-quality health development of Guizhou Province (Grant No. 2024GZYXKYJJXM0029), Health Commission of Guizhou Province (Grant No. gzwjkj2020-1-175), Hospital fund of Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University [Grant No. Yuan Zi(2017)14 Hao], Zunyi Science and Technology Program [Grant No. ZunShiKeHe HZ Zi(2024)194 Hao].
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank all the reviewers who participated in the review and thank Bullet Edits Limited for the linguistic editing and proofreading of the manuscript.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Generative AI statement
The authors declare that no Gen AI was used in the creation of this manuscript.
Any alternative text (alt text) provided alongside figures in this article has been generated by Frontiers with the support of artificial intelligence and reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, including review by the authors wherever possible. If you identify any issues, please contact us.
Publisher’s note
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Abbreviations
DFML, dendritic fibromyxolipoma; SCL, spindle cell lipomas; CT, computed tomography; FISH, fluorescence in situ hybridization; SFT, solitary fibrous tumor; MLS, myxoid liposarcoma.
References
1. Suster, S, Fisher, C, and Moran, CA. Dendritic fibromyxolipoma: clinicopathologic study of a distinctive benign soft tissue lesion that may be mistaken for a sarcoma. Ann Diagn Pathol. (1998) 2:111–20. doi: 10.1016/S1092-9134(98)80047-6
2. Board WCoTE. WHO classification of tumours. Soft tissue and bone tumours. 5th ed. Lyon: International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2020).
3. Karim, RZ, McCarthy, SW, Palmer, AA, Bonar, SF, and Scolyer, RA. Intramuscular dendritic fibromyxolipoma: myxoid variant of spindle cell lipoma? Pathol Int. (2003) 53:252–8. doi: 10.1046/j.1320-5463.2003.01464.x
5. Chao, YP, Li, HF, and Wang, WN. A case of dendritic fibromyolipoma. J Diagn Pathol. (2009) 16:289–92. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1007-8096.2009.04.017
6. Al-Maskery, AY, Al-Sidairy, SM, and Al-Hamadani, AS. Dendritic myxofibrolipoma: often misdiagnosed as sarcoma. Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr. (2011) 4:171–4. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1286122
7. Jin, ZL, Wei, JJ, Xu, YL, and Wang, X. A case of dendritic fibromyolipoma of parotid gland. Chin J Pract Stomatol. (2011) 4:766–7. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-1595.2011.12.021
8. Dahlin, LB, and Ljungberg, O. Dendritic fibromyxolipoma adherent to the median nerve in the forearm. J Plast Surg Hand Surg. (2012) 46:120–3. doi: 10.3109/02844311.2010.503083
9. Qiao, HG, Zhang, C, Zhuang, YL, and Wang, J. Clinicopathological analysis of 10 cases of dendritic fibromyolipoma. J Clin Exp Pathol. (2012) 28:1332–5. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-7399.2012.12.008
10. Zhang, XJ, Zhou, S, and Nie, K. A case of dendritic fibromyolipoma in the right inguinal perineal region. Chin J Gen Surg. (2013) 4:320. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1007-631X.2013.04.028
11. Han, XC, Zheng, LQ, and Shang, XL. Dendritic fibromyxolipoma on the nasal tip in an old patient. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. (2014) 7:7064–7.
12. Wong, YP, Chia, WK, Low, SF, Mohamed-Haflah, NH, and Sharifah, NA. Dendritic fibromyxolipoma: a variant of spindle cell lipoma with extensive myxoid change, with cytogenetic evidence. Pathol Int. (2014) 64:346–51. doi: 10.1111/pin.12176
13. Geng, ZH, Wei, C, Han, Y, Chen, S, and Li, XG. Dendritic fibromyolipoma. J Diagn Pathol. (2014) 21:528–9. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1007-8096.2014.08.022
14. Yuan, XX, Yuan, JP, Yang, YH, Deng, YY, and Luo, B. Clinicopathological observation of 3 cases of intermuscular dendritic fibromyolipoma. J Diagn Pathol. (2014) 21:36–42. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1007-8096.2014.01.011
15. Liu, S, Wang, X, Lei, B, Ma, H, Li, J, Guo, D, et al. Dendritic fibromyxolipoma in the latissimus dorsi: a case report and review of the literature. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. (2015) 8:8650–4.
16. Xu, X, Xiong, W, Zheng, L, and Yu, J. Intramuscular dendritic fibromyxolipoma in a 24-year-old male: a case report and review of the literature. Oncol Lett. (2015) 9:583–6. doi: 10.3892/ol.2014.2794
17. Guo, WW, Huang, WQ, Kong, QN, and Han, ZL. Clinicopathological analysis of dendritic fibromyxoid lipoma. Chin J Clin Pathol. (2015) 35:622–7. doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2095-6959.2015.04.020
18. AlAbdulsalam, A, and Arafah, M. Dendritic fibromyxolipoma of the pyriform sinus: a case report and review of the literature. Case Rep Pathol. (2016) 2016:7289017. doi: 10.1155/2016/7289017
19. Ciloglu, S, Duran, A, Keskin, E, and Yigit, A. Dendritic fibromyxolipoma of left inguinal region. Indian J Pathol Microbiol. (2016) 59:250–1. doi: 10.4103/0377-4929.182045
20. Xia, YR, Ma, XL, Chen, Z, Ma, Q, Liu, L, and Li, J. Pathological analysis of dendritic fibromyxoid lipoma. Ningxia Med J. (2016) 38:335–336+288. doi: 10.13621/j.1001-5949.2016.04.0335
21. Song, L, Wang, Z, Xu, JW, and Qin, YJ. One case of submaxillary dendritic fibromyolipoma. Chin J Pathol. (2016) 45:276–7. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0529-5807.2016.04.018
22. Guo, J, and Zhang, H. A case of dendritic fibromyolipoma of the thigh root in a child. J Rare Rare Dis. (2016) 23:56–7. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-3257.2016.01.020
23. Xiao, XW, Zhang, LF, Li, WEC, and Liu, Y. Clinicopathological observation of 2 cases of dendritic fibromyolipoma of abdominal cavity. Chin J Diagn Pathol. (2017) 24:491–493+498. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1007-8096.2017.07.003
24. Zhu, L, Zhao, XX, and Li, Y. A case of dendritic fibromyxoid lipoma in the right axilla with no fat signal on MRI. J Clin Radiol. (2017) 36:544–5. doi: 10.13437/j.cnki.jcr.2017.04.027
25. Li, YQ, Ma, Q, Chen, Y, Tang, Y, Qian, ZH, and Zhao, M. Clinicopathological analysis of 6 cases of dendritic fibromyolipoma and literature review. Chin J Clin Pathol. (2017) 37:527–31. doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2095-6959.2017.03.014
26. Ruiz Molina, I, Solis Garcia, E, and Civico Amat, V. Dendritic infraclavicular fibromyxolipoma: at the boundary between spindle cell lipoma and solitary fibrous tumour. Rev Esp Patol. (2018) 51:44–8. doi: 10.1016/j.patol.2016.12.007
27. Fu, WL, Tang, XF, and Guo, QN. Clinicopathological study of dendritic fibromyolipoma. West Med. (2018) 30:503–6. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-3511.2018.04.008
28. Ding, GYI, Yang, X, Song, XD, Zhu, B, Meng, DF, and Xu, WEG. A case of dendritic fibromyolipoma of gastric corner. Chin Med J. (2018) 98:708–9. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0376-2491.2018.09.019
29. Tang, X, Wang, S, Huang, C, Wan, Y, Wang, J, Zan, X, et al. Dendritic fibromyxolipoma of the parotid gland: a case report and review of the literature. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. (2019) 12:3077–81.
30. She, Q, Guo, QX, Liu, ZP, and Yang, CW. Clinicopathological observation of dendritic fibromyolipoma. Chin J Diagn Pathol. (2019) 26:804–7. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1007-8096.2019.12.004
31. Li, M, Zhang, CM, Rong, G, and Wang, MM. Clinicopathological analysis of five cases of dendritic fibromyolipoma and literature review. Cancer Res Clinic. (2019) 7:489–91. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1006-9801.2019.07.014
32. Sun, X, and Wang, C-F. A case of dendritic fibromyolipoma and literature review. J Shenyang Med Coll. (2019) 21:211–213+217. doi: 10.16753/j.cnki.1008-2344.2019.03.006
33. Jin, Y, and Zhang, L. A case report of dendritic Fibromyxolipoma in the Back of pediatric patient. Klin Padiatr. (2020) 232:328–30. doi: 10.1055/a-1183-4686
34. Liu, H, Hei, S, Wang, J, Zhang, Q, Yu, X, and Chen, H. Dendritic fibromyxolipoma: A case report. Mol Clin Oncol. (2021) 14:7. doi: 10.3892/mco.2020.2169
35. Song, F, Shen, M, Cao, D, Chen, R, and Lu, J. Clinicopathologic analysis of dendritic fibromyolipoma and review of literature. Chin J Cancer Prev Treat. (2021) 28:1115–8. doi: 10.16073/j.cnki.cjcpt.2021.14.14
36. Ji, X, Nian, S, Bai, Y, and Dong, A. FDG PET/CT in dendritic Fibromyxolipoma of the thigh. Clin Nucl Med. (2022) 47:e208–9. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000003930
37. Luo, S, Li, Y, Huang, X, and Wang, JJ. Clinicopathological analysis of 6 cases of dendritic fibromyolipoma. J Clin Exp Pathol. (2022) 38:477–9. doi: 10.13315/j.cnki.cjcep.2022.04.021
38. Li, H, Zhu, J, Shen, L, Pan, Z, Wu, C, and Wu, Y. A Giant dendritic Fibromyxolipoma in the right thorax: a rare entity. Chest. (2023) 164:e89–91. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.06.013
39. Tang, Y, Chen, L, Yin, J, and Zhu, Z. Endoscopic submucosal dissection of a rare cardiac mass in an older woman: dendritic fibromyxolipoma. Gastrointest Endosc. (2023) 98:256–7. doi: 10.1016/j.gie.2023.02.011
40. AlSalman, H, Alsayegh, H, Elmukhtar, N, AlZahrani, A, AlBakheet, S, AlAlwan, Q, et al. Dendritic fibromyxolipoma with intramuscular involvement: a case mimicking slow flow vascular malformation on imaging. Radiol Case Rep. (2024) 19:1333–9. doi: 10.1016/j.radcr.2023.12.035
41. Zhang, LF, Xiao, XW, Li, WS, and Fan, QH. A case of dendritic fibromyolipoma of the abdominal cavity in adults. J Clin Exp Pathol. (2014) 30:822–3. doi: 10.13315/j.cnki.cjcep.2014.07.040
42. Suster, S, Fisher, C, and Moran, CA. Expression of bcl-2 oncoprotein in benign and malignant spindle cell tumors of soft tissue, skin, serosal surfaces, and gastrointestinal tract. Am J Surg Pathol. (1998) 22:863–72. doi: 10.1097/00000478-199807000-00008
43. Chin J Pathol. Expert Committee of Expert Consensus on Molecular Pathology Testing of Soft Tissue and Bone Tumor (2022 version). [Expert consensus on molecular pathology testing of soft tissue and bone tumor (2022 version)]. Zhonghua Bing Li Xue Za Zhi (2022) 51:950–958. Chinese. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112151-20220601-00480
44. Zhan, R, Zhao, M, Guo, LC, and Gan, WJ. Clinicopathological observation of 8 cases of spindle cell/pleomorphic lipoma. J Clin Exp Pathol. (2019) 35:295–8. doi: 10.13315/j.cnki.cjcep.2019.03.010
45. Heijs, B, Holst-Bernal, S, de Graaff, MA, Briaire-de Bruijn, IH, Rodriguez-Girondo, M, van de Sande, MAJ, et al. Molecular signatures of tumor progression in myxoid liposarcoma identified by N-glycan mass spectrometry imaging. Lab. Investig. (2020) 100:1252–61. doi: 10.1038/s41374-020-0435-2
Keywords: dendritic fibromyxolipoma, differential diagnosis, mammary, pathological characteristics, review
Citation: Li X, Wu D, Tian X, Xu T, Ge Q, Luo S and Wang J (2025) Dendritic fibromyxolipoma of the male breast: case report and literary review. Front. Med. 12:1653754. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1653754
Edited by:
Hasanain Jasim, College of Medicine Mustansiriyah University, IraqReviewed by:
Ermias Teklehaimanot Yefter, University of Gondar, EthiopiaNilay Nishith, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Center, India
Copyright © 2025 Li, Wu, Tian, Xu, Ge, Luo and Wang. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Jinjing Wang, amluamluZ3dhbmdsc0AxNjMuY29t
Xiaolan Li1