Abstract:
Juvenile xanthogranuloma is a benign histiocytic cell proliferative disorder that occurs in early childhood. The most common presentation occurs within the first 2 years of life with papular or nodular changes to the skin on the head, neck or upper trunk. This case study documents the findings and treatment of a single solitary soft tissue mass in the forefoot of a 17-year-old patient. Unique to this case, the initial diagnosis of tuberous xanthoma was made and, with referral to an outside hospital, changed to a juvenile xanthogranuloma. In addition, unlike most juvenile xanthogranulomas in the literature, there was no superficial dermatological abnormality seen clinically. This change was not a dramatically different diagnosis, but further immunohistochemical staining was necessary for ultimate diagnosis. The soft tissue mass was self-contained to the deeper tissue layers and not the epidermis. The patient was followed for 12 months for possible recurrence and medical workup, without postoperative complications. The purpose of this study was to report on a unique finding and presentation of a xanthogranulomatous soft tissue mass in the forefoot of a pediatric patient.