Malignant fibrous histiocytoma following radiation therapy and chemotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma

Abstract

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) originates from primitive mesenchymal cells and has the capacity for dual differentiation into histiocytes and fibroblasts. MFH occurring as a secondary malignancy following radio-chemotherapy is rare and its exact incidence is not yet known. Here we report a case of a 42-year-old man who developed MFH in his right knee over a period of more than 10 years after radio (44 Gy)-chemotherapy to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma. After the diagnosis the patient did not return and was lost to follow-up. This is a rare case with unusual presentation, and it highlights the importance of the awareness and prevention of such secondary tumors.