Malignant fibrous histiocytoma in the parietal bone - Case report

Malignant fibrous histiocytomas (MFHs) are mesenchymal tumors, usually arising in soft tissue of the extremities and are remarkably resistant to radiation and chemotherapy. A 45-year-old female presented with a rare case of MFH originating in the cranial bone manifesting as a lump in the left parietal region with no neurological abnormality. Neuroimaging revealed the presence of an osteolytic tumor in the left parietal bone invading into muscle and subdural region, penetrating through the dura. Selective external carotid angiography disclosed a marked tumor stain. Examination of the whole body excluded neoplastic disease elsewhere. The patient was treated by surgical excision, radiation, and two courses of multi-drug chemotherapy using cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone. Since there is no established treatment against this malignancy, a longer follow-up is necessary to determine whether cure has been achieved.