14945 Solitary Fibrous Tumors

Overview

A solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare growth that starts in the connective tissue of the body. Connective tissue is the 'framework' that supports your organs and other structures. Most solitary fibrous tumors are slow-growing and non-cancerous, but a small number can be aggressive or become malignant (cancerous).

No. Solitary fibrous tumors are rare — only a few thousand cases have been reported worldwide. Most people will never have one.

SFTs can occur at any age, but they are most commonly diagnosed in adults between the ages of 50 and 70. They affect men and women about equally, though some studies suggest men are slightly more likely to have one.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• The tumor often causes no symptoms, especially when it is small.
• If it is in the chest, you may have a cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
• If it is in the abdomen, you may feel fullness, pain, or a lump.
• Rarely, the tumor releases a substance that causes low blood sugar, leading to confusion or fainting.

Symptoms in children

• In children, these tumors are extremely rare. When they do happen, they usually cause no symptoms and are found by chance during an imaging test for another issue.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults are more likely to have symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, or a visible lump. Because the tumor grows slowly, symptoms may be mistaken for signs of ageing or other long-term health conditions.

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause of solitary fibrous tumors is not known.
• Most tumors have a particular change (mutation) in a gene called NAB2-STAT6, which is only in the tumor cells.
• This change is not inherited; it happens by chance in a single cell and does not run in families.

Risk factors

• There are no proven lifestyle or environmental risk factors.
• Being between 50 and 70 years old is the main risk factor.
• People who have had radiation therapy for another cancer in the past very rarely develop a secondary solitary fibrous tumor, but this is uncommon.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor the same day if you notice a hard, fast-growing lump, have new chest pain, or have trouble breathing.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make an appointment if you have a persistent cough, unexplained pain, a lump that feels unusual, or any symptom that keeps bothering you.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you. They may refer you for imaging tests. To confirm a diagnosis, a small piece of the tumor (a biopsy) is usually taken and examined under a microscope by a specialist in tissue diagnosis (pathologist).

Tests that may be done

• Imaging tests such as CT, MRI, or ultrasound to see the size and location of the tumor.
• A biopsy — either with a needle or during an operation — to remove a small piece of the growth.
• Special lab tests on the biopsy sample, including immunohistochemistry (a way to look for specific proteins) to help identify the tumor.

What to expect at your appointment

You will likely meet a specialist doctor (such as a surgeon or an oncologist). The biopsy results may take a week or two. Your team will explain the findings and talk through the next steps, which may include monitoring or treatment. You should ask for a copy of any results and a clear plan.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size, location, and behavior of the tumor. If the tumor is small, causes no symptoms, and is non-cancerous, your doctor may recommend 'watchful waiting' — regular scans and check-ups but no treatment. If it is larger, growing, or causing problems, surgery is usually the main treatment.

Self-care at home

• Keep all follow-up appointments, even if you feel completely well.
• Tell your doctor about any new or changing symptoms.
• Ask questions whenever something about your condition or treatment is unclear.
• Bring a family member or friend to appointments for support if you like.

Medical treatments

The most common treatment is surgery to remove the tumor completely. If the tumor cannot be removed fully, or if it is aggressive, radiotherapy (using high-energy beams to destroy tumor cells) or systemic treatments such as anti-cancer medicines may be used. These medicines are called 'targeted therapies' when they attack specific changes in the tumor. Your care team will discuss the options and the risks and benefits of each.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually recommended when the tumor is in a place where it can be safely removed. The surgeon aims to take out the entire tumor with a small margin of healthy tissue around it to reduce the chance of recurrence.

Living with this condition

Many people with a solitary fibrous tumor have no symptoms and live normally. After treatment, you should have regular check-up scans for the first few years to watch for recurrence. In between, try to maintain your usual routine and focus on your overall health.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay physically active — gentle exercise like walking or swimming is good if your energy allows.
• Eat a varied diet with fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, and lean protein.
• Do not smoke, and limit alcohol to within recommended guidelines.
• Look after your mental health — it is normal to feel stressed after a tumor diagnosis.

Diet and exercise

There is no specific diet or exercise plan for solitary fibrous tumors. Following general healthy-eating guidelines and moving your body regularly will support your recovery and overall wellbeing. If surgery has affected your mobility, ask your care team about a physiotherapist or exercise program.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Hearing that you have a tumor — even one that is benign — can be frightening. You may feel anxious, low, or restless while waiting for results or after treatment. These feelings are common. Talk to your healthcare team about counselling or support services. They can also help if you have trouble sleeping or feel overwhelmed.

Prevention

No. Because the cause is unknown and the gene change happens by chance, there is no known way to prevent a solitary fibrous tumor.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for solitary fibrous tumors. Most are found incidentally when someone has a CT scan or chest X-ray for an unrelated health problem. If you have a family history of rare tumors, talk to your doctor about whether any surveillance is appropriate for you.

Complications

If left untreated

• The tumor may grow slowly and press on nearby organs, causing pain, difficulty breathing, or blockage of the bowel.
• A small proportion of tumors are aggressive and can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or liver.
• Rarely, the tumor can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), leading to confusion, sweating, or fainting.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is generally excellent. Most solitary fibrous tumors are benign, and surgery is often curative. Even when a tumor is aggressive, treatment is usually helpful. The exact outlook depends on the tumor's size, location, and microscopic features, so your care team will give you a personalised plan. Regular follow-up gives peace of mind and helps catch any recurrence early.

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