Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the extremity

BACKGROUND: This study examines prognostic factors and outcomes for a group of patients with malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the extremity treated at a single referral institution. METHODS: A total of 239 patients underwent complete surgical excision between July 1982 and July 1996 and were followed prospectively. RESULTS: The overall 5-year and 10-year disease specific survival rates for this group were 65% and 59%, respectively. Age >50 years, tumor location, and presentation with local recurrence were all associated with increased risk of local recurrence. Tumor size, grade, depth, and presentation with local recurrence were all associated with adverse disease specific and metastasis free survival. Tumor size > or = 10 cm was associated with a particularly unfavorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of malignant fibrous histiocytomas of the extremity are associated with a relatively favorable prognosis. Size > or = 5 cm, deep depth, and high grade are all unfavorable factors. Size > or = 10 cm is associated with an even more unfavorable prognosis.