Nodular fasciitis, a forgotten entity.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nodular fasciitis is a benign pseudosarcomatous, self-limited, and reactive process. Based on its clinical and histological features - a fast-growing, solitary tumor with high cellularity and mitotic count - nodular fasciitis is considered to be a benign mimic of sarcoma. METHODS: We present four cases of nodular fasciitis and a review of the literature. RESULTS: The cases we present were initially misdiagnosed as sarcoma; two as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, one as atypical fibroxanthoma, and one as leiomyosarcoma. CONCLUSION: Awareness of this entity among dermatologists is important as misdiagnosis may lead to unnecessary treatments associated with increased morbidity.