Chest wall and intrathoracic desmoid tumors: surgical experience and review of the literature

Eur J Med Res. 2009 Jun 18;14(6):240-3. doi: 10.1186/2047-783x-14-6-240.

Abstract

Desmoid tumors are fibroblastic/myofibroblastic neoplasms, which originate from musculo-aponeurotic structures and are classified as deep fibromatoses. Despite their benign histologic appearance and lack of metastatic potential, desmoid tumors may cause aggres?sive local infiltrations and compression of surrounding structures. They are often associated with female gender, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and sporadically may occur at sites of previous trauma, scars or irradiation. Molecular studies have demonstrated that these patients are associated with a bi-allelic APC mutation in the affected tissue. Radical tumor resection with free margins remains the first therapy of choice. In cases with anatomical or technical limitations for a wide excision, radiation therapy represents a proven and effective alternative or supplementary treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Fibromatosis, Abdominal / diagnostic imaging
  • Fibromatosis, Abdominal / pathology*
  • Fibromatosis, Abdominal / therapy
  • Fibromatosis, Aggressive / diagnostic imaging
  • Fibromatosis, Aggressive / pathology*
  • Fibromatosis, Aggressive / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Radiography, Thoracic / methods
  • Thoracic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Thoracic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Thoracic Neoplasms / therapy
  • Thoracic Wall / diagnostic imaging
  • Thoracic Wall / pathology*
  • Thoracic Wall / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed