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Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma

Contributors: Amy E. Blum MD, Laurie Good MD, Whitney A. High MD, JD, MEng, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

A multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma (MCA) is a benign fibrohistiocytic and vascular cutaneous proliferation characterized by one or more well-circumscribed, erythematous to violaceous papules or nodules. MCAs are rare and have been reported more commonly in women in many studies, including the largest systematic literature review of MCAs, in which 79% of patients were women. The mean age of onset is 50-56 years. MCA lesions typically develop gradually over weeks to months, and most lesions are present for years before a definitive diagnosis is made.

Although the etiology is largely unknown, MCAs are thought to be reactive, with several case reports describing them arising in association with neoplasms, inflammatory processes, or trauma. Studies have also demonstrated a potential role of hormonal signaling, with increased expression of estrogen receptor alpha identified within MCAs. Some experts have also proposed that MCAs are on a spectrum of fibrohistiocytic proliferations that also includes dermatofibromas and fibrous papules, but this remains controversial.

Codes

ICD10CM:
D23.9 – Other benign neoplasm of skin, unspecified

SNOMEDCT:
21985009 – Fibrohistiocytic proliferation of the skin

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Last Reviewed:07/09/2020
Last Updated:07/09/2020
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Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma
A medical illustration showing key findings of Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma : Grouped configuration, Smooth papules
Clinical image of Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma - imageId=2377593. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'A close-up of a reddish and violaceous papule.'
A close-up of a reddish and violaceous papule.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.