Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the stomach. A report and review of malignant fibrohistiocytic tumors of the alimentary tract.

An example of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the stomach, manifesting initially as a pulmonary metastasis, is described. A review of the world medical literature yielded ten other examples of MFH of the alimentary tract--four in the large intestine, two each in the small intestine and rectum, and one each in the esophagus and stomach. Patients ranged in age from 17 to 74 years, and all but one were males. Histologically, 91% of the tumors were of the pleomorphic type, with or without an associated storiform pattern. Six of the 11 patients died, two postoperatively and four with tumor, while the others were alive from 14 months to eight years after therapy. The distinction between gastric MFH and leiomyosarcoma is discussed.