Uncovering the Pleomorphic Hyalinizing Angiectatic Tumor: A Case Series and Literature Review.

Abstract

Background & Objective: Pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumor (PHAT) is a rare fibrohistiocytic neoplasm, classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a "neoplasm of uncertain behavior of connective or soft tissue" within the soft tissue and bone tumor group. A literature review via Scopus and PubMed revealed approximately 133 reported cases worldwide, affecting individuals aged 10 to 86 years, with a slight female predominance and wide anatomical distribution. Case Presentation: We report a series of 4 PHAT cases, the first from India and the fourth largest globally. The cases include a 37-year-old male with a large upper abdominal wall mass, a 46-year-old male with a forearm swelling, a 36-year-old female with a lower leg mass, and a 40-year-old male with a lower abdominal mass. Histopathology showed characteristic features, including ectatic vessels, hyalinization, and pleomorphic spindle cells. Conclusion: Given its rarity and histologic overlap with other tumors, increased awareness and accurate histopathological diagnosis of PHAT are essential.