Angiomatoid Fibrous Histiocytoma

Also known as: soft tissue tumors, benign soft tissue tumors, soft tissue sarcomas

What is an angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma?

An angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma is a form of soft tissue tumor that typically affects the legs, feet, hands or arms. It’s called a histiocytoma because it contains immune cells (histiocytes) that travel from one part of the body to another. It can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).

What causes angiomatoid fibrous histiocytomas?

Histiocytes are immune cells found around the body. When they grow rapidly, they can produce a histiocytoma. The exact cause is unknown, but genetics, heredity and radiation treatment are all possible links.

What are the symptoms of angiomatoid fibrous histiocytomas?

Most people with an angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma do not experience symptoms. When they do occur, anemia, weight loss and fever are most common, while pain and tenderness are rare.

How can angiomatoid fibrous histiocytomas affect children?

Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma most commonly occurs in children, adolescents or young adults. It’s less common among older adults.

What are angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma treatments?

In most cases, angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma is treated by removing the tumor and some of the tissue around it to reduce the risk of recurrence. If the tumor has spread or is difficult to remove surgically, then chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used to treat the tumor.

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Reviewed by: Maggie Fader, MD

This page was last updated on: July 29, 2025 03:51 PM