Solitary Fibrous Tumour

What Is a Solitary Fibrous Tumour?

Solitary Fibrous Tumours are rare soft tissue tumours that can appear almost anywhere in the body and at any age.

Solitary Fibrous Tumours grow slowly over many years and may not cause symptoms until they have grown to a large size. A small number of these tumours have aggressive features and the ability to metastasise (spread elsewhere in the body).

Who Do Solitary Fibrous Tumours Affect?

Adults between the ages of 50 and 70 are the most commonly diagnosed.

What Causes a Solitary Fibrous Tumour?

The exact cause of solitary fibrous tumours remains unknown. This type of tumour affects men and women equally.

Symptoms of a Solitary Fibrous Tumour

Most tumours present as a slow growing mass that do not cause symptoms. As the tumour increases in size it may cause symptoms to occur, these depend on the location of the tumour in the body and are variable.

How is a Solitary Fibrous Tumour Diagnosed?

Doctors use a variety of tests to confirm a solitary fibrous tumour. These tests include the following:

Physical Exam: During a physical exam, a doctor looks at and assesses the tumour.
Imaging Tests: Tests such as CT and MRI scans help doctors locate the tumour and determine if it is cancerous or benign.
Biopsy: A doctor uses a needle to take a sample of tissue from the tumour. Reviewing the cell sample under a microscope can identify features of solitary fibrous tumours.

Surgical Treatment for Solitary Fibrous Tumour

Surgery

For this condition, surgery is the main treatment option. The aim of surgery is to remove the tumour with a margin of normal surrounding tissue if possible. This improves the chance of cure and reduces the risk of the tumour re-occurring.

Sometimes, radiation therapy or chemotherapy is given before surgery to help shrink the tumour.