Stromal fibrosis is the development of fibrous tissue in the stromal cells that constitute an important part of the connective tissue. It can be identified on a tissue biopsy from an area of interest or concern. The pathologist will be able to identify an unusually high concentration of fibrous tissue between the cells, and may describe this as stromal fibrosis. You may also have other findings from the same test.
In a biopsy report, this term can be frightening for patients, especially if it is not explained. Fibrosis in general generally occurs in response to inflammation, either chronic or recurrent. Over time, repeated episodes of inflammation irritate and scar the tissue, causing buildups of fibrous tissue. If enough fibrous material develops, it can develop into stromal fibrosis. This finding may indicate the presence of underlying disease, a poor response to treatment for inflammation, or something else, depending on other findings in the same exam.
Stromal fibrosis is often benign in nature. A pathologist will notice this because it is not expected, but it is not a cause for concern. The surrounding tissue should function as it normally does, and the stromal cells will continue to provide support. For example, if a patient's breast biopsy shows signs of stromal fibrosis, it means that the underlying tissues in the breast are fibrous, but it does not indicate the presence of cancer or anything else. The pathologist may also find small cysts, evidence of fibrocystic breast disease.
The development of fibrosis can be a cause for concern with other types of cellular changes. A pathologist could identify signs of malignancy with fibrosis, for example. Fibrosis can be the result of inflammation and irritation caused by disease, such as a cancerous tumor. A doctor may order medical imaging studies and other tests if the pathologist believes that stromal fibrosis is indicative of a medical problem. The doctor can use the information from these tests to determine if the patient needs treatment.
A finding of stromal fibrosis may result in nothing more than a recommendation to monitor the area for signs of tissue changes. The patient may not need medical intervention and the fibrous tissue may never become a concern. In other cases, patients may need medications, surgery, and other treatment options to address an ongoing disease process. A pathologist can reassess the tissue later to see how well the patient responded to treatment.