Desmoid tumor initially unresectable – About two cases

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

1 Department of General Surgery, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Barcelona

2 Department of Oncology, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Barcelona

Abstract

Desmoid tumor, also called aggressive fibromatosis, is a rare fibroblastic proliferation of connective tissue and
skeletal muscle aponeurosis. The aetiology of desmoid tumours is poorly understood, but they have been related
with oestrogen stimuli, previous trauma, surgical interventions and pregnancy. Although it is characterized by not
having potential for metastasize or differentiate, it is a non-encapsulated lesion, with an infiltrative growth and
unpredictable behaviour. In this way, it could have either an aggressive pattern, when compared with other low
degree malignancy sarcomas, or a very indolent one, even with spontaneous regression. Therapeutic options in
desmoid tumours have been changing over these last years, as surgery upfront in asymptomatic patients has
been superseded by active surveillance. However, treatment has to be individualized in some specific scenarios
such as intra-abdominal lesions. We present two cases of patients diagnosed with an intra-abdominal desmoid
tumour with threatening behaviour, the treatment approach and final resolution.

Keywords


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