EWSR1-SMAD3 rearranged fibroblastic tumor: Case series and review

J Cutan Pathol. 2021 Feb;48(2):255-262. doi: 10.1111/cup.13870. Epub 2020 Nov 8.

Abstract

We report the largest series to date (N = 6) of EWSR1-SMAD3 rearranged fibroblastic tumor. Initially described in 2018, the tumor features a marked female predominance (F:M, 5:1, mean age 44-years, median age 45.5 years; range 27-57), with most cases (5/6, 83%) arising in acral locations (4 on foot/toe, 1 on hand). One case presented on the lower extremity. The lesions presented as nodules and were composed of short, variably cellular, intersecting fascicles of uniform spindled cells in a collagenous to myxoid stroma. In four cases, the tumor abutted the epidermis without a grenz zone. In one case, there was an abrupt transition to a central, acellular hyalinized area. Two other cases had admixed smaller collagenous areas, reminiscent of collagen rosettes. One had a concentric arrangement of tumor cells around blood vessels. Mitotic activity was low (<1/10 HPFs). All were positive for ERG by immunohistochemistry and negative for CD34 (6/6). An EWSR1-SMAD3 fusion was identified in three cases tested by next-generation sequencing (3/3). Rearrangement of EWSR1 by fluorescence in situ hybridization was showed in 1/1 case. Our series reaffirms prior findings and expands the known histopathologic spectrum of this emerging entity.

Keywords: EWSR1-SMAD3 rearranged fibroblastic tumor; acral; fluorescence in situ hybridization; immunohistochemistry; next-generation sequencing; skin; soft tissue neoplasm.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Gene Rearrangement*
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Fibrous Tissue* / genetics
  • Neoplasms, Fibrous Tissue* / metabolism
  • Neoplasms, Fibrous Tissue* / pathology
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion* / genetics
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion* / metabolism
  • RNA-Binding Protein EWS* / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Protein EWS* / metabolism
  • Skin Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Skin Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Smad3 Protein* / genetics
  • Smad3 Protein* / metabolism

Substances

  • EWSR1 protein, human
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
  • RNA-Binding Protein EWS
  • SMAD3 protein, human
  • Smad3 Protein