# Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma in Mediastinum: A Case Study and Literature Review

**Authors:** Qingxia Xu, Chong Zhang, Yang Ma, Longquan Xiang

PMC · DOI: 10.1111/crj.70140 · The Clinical Respiratory Journal · 2025-11-21

## TL;DR

A rare case of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma in the mediastinum is reported, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment.

## Contribution

This paper presents an extremely rare case of mediastinal FDCS and highlights diagnostic challenges and the role of histopathology and IHC.

## Key findings

- A 28-year-old woman with mediastinal FDCS was successfully treated with surgery and radiotherapy.
- The patient remained alive for 6 years post-diagnosis, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Histopathology and immunohistochemistry were crucial in confirming the diagnosis of FDCS.

## Abstract

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is an uncommon malignant neoplasm that arises from follicular dendritic cells (FDCs). The mediastinum is a more unusual site of FDCS. In this document, we detail a case involving the complete surgical removal of FDCS located in the mediastinum. A 28‐year‐old woman presented with symptoms of right chest pain. Accompanying symptoms include chest tightness, shortness of breath, and faintness. Chest computed tomography was performed and revealed abnormal enhancement in the mediastinal region. An excisional biopsy was carried out, and through the aid of immunohistochemistry (IHC), a diagnosis of FDCS was confirmed. Following surgery, the patient underwent radiotherapy for 27 sessions. The patient was followed up by the oncology service for 6 years and was still alive at the time of drafting this report. This exceedingly uncommon case underscores the challenges in making a differential diagnosis and emphasizes the significance of diagnostic indicators, including histopathology and IHC, in establishing a diagnosis. Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of encountering this disease and take into consideration various characteristics to avoid misdiagnosis.

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is a rare malignant tumor that originates from follicular dendritic cells. We report a case of a completely resected FDCS arising in the mediastinum. This extremely rare case highlights the difficulties in differential diagnosis and the importance of diagnostic clues as histopathology and immunohistochemistry in the establishment of a diagnosis.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (MONDO:0005764)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** FDCS (MESH:D054740), chest pain (MESH:D002637), shortness of breath (MESH:D004417), malignant neoplasm (MESH:D009369)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## References

20 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12635493/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12635493