What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Fasciitis, Proliferative Type

What is Proliferative Fasciitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Proliferative Fasciitis is a rapidly-growing benign lesion that occurs below the skin (subcutaneously). It is described as a variant of nodular fasciitis
• The tumor forms a mass of a type of cells, known as fibroblastic/myofibroblastic cells, which are observed to be abnormally-sized
• Proliferative Fasciitis frequent sites are the upper extremities (forearm). It can cause pain and tenderness at the site of the tumor
• A complete surgical removal of Proliferative Fasciitis results in a cure and is the treatment of choice; a recurrence of the tumor is not very common
• The prognosis of Proliferative Fasciitis is excellent on suitable surgical treatment, since it is a benign tumor

Who gets Proliferative Fasciitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Proliferative Fasciitis is commonly seen in middle-age and older adults (40-70 years); a rare variant of the condition is observed in children
• Individuals of both genders (males and females) are affected
• The tumor is seen in individuals of all races and ethnic groups

What are the Risk Factors for Proliferative Fasciitis? (Predisposing Factors)

• The risk factors for Proliferative Fasciitis are unknown in many cases
• In a minority of cases, a history of trauma at the site of the tumor is observed

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Proliferative Fasciitis? (Etiology)

Proliferative Fasciitis is a benign tumor of unknown cause.

• Very rarely, some chromosomal abnormalities have been detected
• However, some researchers indicate that this may be an aberration caused most probably due to advancing age of the individual

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Proliferative Fasciitis?

The signs and symptoms of Proliferative Fasciitis include:

• A rapidly-growing solitary mass below the skin surface; it generally grows laterally along the plane of the overlying skin
• Proliferative Fasciitis averages 3 cm in size; it is typically not larger than 5 cm
• It is found in the limbs and torso (chest and back); the most frequent site is the forearm followed by the legs
• The tumor is poorly-defined in adults with irregular borders; while such tumors in children are better defined
• Pain in the affected region with feeling of tenderness is noted; the pain may be significant

How is Proliferative Fasciitis Diagnosed?

Proliferative Fasciitis diagnosis may involve the following tests and exams:

• Physical examination and evaluation of medical history
• Radiological studies of the affected region such as MRI and CT scans; these are generally not found to be very effective in studying/diagnosing the tumor
• Tissue biopsy: A tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination, who examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Proliferative Fasciitis?

The possible complications from Proliferative Fasciitis include:

• The rapid growth of the tumor may give rise to emotional stress due to a concern for cancer
• Rarely, the tumor can recur following its surgical removal

How is Proliferative Fasciitis Treated?

• The treatment of Proliferative Fasciitis is a complete surgical excision, which can result in a cure
• The tumor is surgically removed, since it can cause concern in the healthcare seeker and the healthcare provider, due to its rapid growth

How can Proliferative Fasciitis be Prevented?

Currently, Proliferative Fasciitis is a condition that is generally not preventable.

What is the Prognosis of Proliferative Fasciitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Proliferative Fasciitis is generally excellent after a local excisional surgery to remove the benign mass
• Recurrence risk following tumor removal is very minimal and no metastasis is observed (even though the tumor may exhibit rapid growth)

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Proliferative Fasciitis:

• Proliferative Fasciitis is not as frequently seen as nodular fasciitis
• Nodular fasciitis is a benign, rapidly growing mass that frequently affects the upper extremities (hands). This benign tumor reduces in size, after a certain time period of rapid growth (usually by 6 weeks)

The following link can help you understand nodular fasciitis:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/nodular-fasciitis/