Studies on Collagen and Acid Mucopolysaccharides in Fibrous Skin Tumors

Abstract

The nature of collagen and acid mucopolysaccharides in six fibrous skin tumors (fibroma, dermatofibroma, schwannoma, neuro-fibroma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and leiomyoma) was studied by optical and electron microscopy. Abundant collagen fibrils were present in all these tumors, except for leiomyoma. Fibroma and dermatofibroma were shown to be formed by thick collagen fibrils with strong birefringent fibers and the presence of dermatan sulfate. Schwannoma and neurofibroma presented thin collagen fibrils with weak birefringence and hyaluronic acid, while dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans contained nonpolarizable collagen. These results suggest that there were two types of collagen fibers in the tumors studied, and that collagen fibril diameters are related to the acid mucopolysaccharide type.