Atypical fibroxanthoma: An unusual tumor

We report on an 84-year-old male patient with an erosive exophytic tumor on the helix of the left ear. Histologically, we found a striking dermal tumor with cellular pleomorphism. After immunohistochemical staining (positive for vimentin and negative for cytokeratin, smooth muscle-actin, desmin, melanoma-associated antigen, S-100) we diagnosed an atypical fibroxanthoma, which clinically has an excellent prognosis. We also found an immunoreactivity for the marker of invasion cathepsin pro-L and the suppressor gene p53. These findings may be helpful in the future for a better understanding of the pathogenesis and therapy of this tumor.