What is a myofibroblastic tumor?

An inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is an uncommon, usually benign (non-cancerous) tumor made up of cells called myofibroblastic spindle cells. It usually develops in children or young adults, but can affect people of any age.

What are myofibroblastic spindle cells?

Histopathologically, myofibroblastic sarcomas (MFS) are composed of slender spindle cells with variable nuclear pleomorphism and mitotic activity. The spindle cells are arranged in interlacing fascicles and have eosinophilic cytoplasm, which may be occasionally wavy.

What is myofibroblastic proliferation?

Background. Pseudosarcomatous myofibroblastic proliferation (PMP) is a rare disease entity of unknown etiology and pathogenesis. PMP is also known as an inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) or inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT), and it is characterized by myofibroblast proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration.

Is IMT a sarcoma?

In summary, the epithelioid variant of IMT with nuclear membrane or perinuclear ALK is a distinctive intra-abdominal sarcoma with a predilection for male patients.

Is inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor sarcoma?

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors usually occur in children and young adults. They are a type of soft tissue sarcoma.

Is IMT hereditary?

IMT is not known to run in families.

How do myofibroblasts contract?

Myofibroblasts can contract by using smooth muscle type actin-myosin complex, rich in a form of actin called alpha-smooth muscle actin. These cells are then capable of speeding wound repair by contracting the edges of the wound.

What does neoplasia mean?

Neoplasia (nee-oh-PLAY-zhuh) is the uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells or tissues in the body, and the abnormal growth itself is called a neoplasm (nee-oh-PLAZ-m) or tumor. It can be benign (bee-NINE) or malignant.

Where does rhabdomyosarcoma occur?

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS or “Rhabdo”) is a cancerous tumor that develops in the body’s soft tissues, usually the muscles. It can affect the head, neck, bladder, vagina, arms, legs, trunk, or just about any body part.

What is IMT disease?

Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT) is a common disease in dogs. Primary IMT is idiopathic, while secondary IMT can result from a variety of infectious agents or some treatments. Symptoms may include lethargy, anorexia and mild pyrexia, together with a low platelet count and associated bleeding disorders.

What is myofibroblastic differentiation?

Fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation is a key process during wound healing and is dysregulated in lung diseases. These effects were associated with inhibition of wound healing and gel contraction suggesting that nicotine is responsible for dysregulated repair during injurious responses.