The cartilage analogue of fibromatosis.A reinterpretation of the condition called “juvenile aponeurotic fibroma”

Abstract

T tion to which we can find only a few references in the recent literature,lz 4, 9 all under the head of "juvenile aponeurotic fibroma," and which we are inclined to interpret as the cartilage analogue of fibromatosis.We believe it to be characterized by a tumor-like proliferation of cartilage-or chondroid-forming spindle connective-tissue cells, and this may be either of ramifying or of focal nodular type.In the latter circumstance, the lesion, of course, simulates a localized neoplasm.If we do not refer to the disorder as chondromatosis, which might be a logical designation analogous to fibromatosis, it is because this term has been pre-empted for reference to well-differentiated chondroplasia in the linings of synovial joints, bursa1 sacs, and tendon sheaths, and might therefore be confusing in this connection.Be that as it may, the practical importance of the recognition of the condition stems from the fact that it may be interpreted by some surgeons and pathologists as an invasive malignant neoplasm and treated more aggressively than is justified.Our interest in this condition grew out of the study of some 6 instances in point that had been submitted for opinion by pathologists who found the interpretation of these