Desmoid-type fibromatosis of the chest wall: a case report

Abstract

Desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF), also known as deep fibromatosis or desmoid tumor, is an extremely rare neoplasm that develops from fascia and musculoaponeurotic tissue. These tumors are characterized by slow progressive growth, local invasion, and local recurrence after surgical excision, but they lack metastatic potential. DF accounts for 3.5% of all fibrous tumors, with an annual incidence of approximately 2-4/million. Until now, only a small number of cases have been found in the chest wall. Herein, we present a rare case of chest wall DF in a 43-year-old female, which was discovered accidentally due to a thoracic wall mass that extended outward from the sternum. Computed tomography scans revealed a subcutaneous soft tissue mass anterior to the sternum, which was considered to be a mesenchymal tumor or an inflammatory lesion. The patient underwent surgical excision of the mass. The mass was completely removed and all margins were negative. According to the pathological results, the patient was finally diagnosed as DF. Postoperative radiotherapy was suggested subsequently, especially considering the locally aggressive and infiltrative nature of the tumor. However, this was rejected by the patient, and biannual re-examination was recommended instead. Despite the absence of postoperative radiotherapy, there was no evidence of local recurrence 2 years later. We consider regular postoperative follow-up may be able to replace postoperative radiotherapy, and if there exist an opportunity to completely resect the mass, surgical is a worthwhile choice.