Atypical Fibroxanthoma

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a less common tumor of the skin that arises from areas that have received substantial sun exposure, usually on the head and neck. Usually, a tumor of the elderly, it is thought to be a low-grade sarcoma tumor. For context, basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas arise from the epidermal layer or surface layer of the skin. AFX tumors come from the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin. Usually these tumors appear as rapidly growing nodules on the skin, though sometimes they can be flat. Rarely, the tumor can metastasize or recur. Treatment usually requires the miMohs technique for a complete and durable cure.