Histopathological and radiological findings of desmoid tumor of abdominal cavity

ABSTRACT

Desmoid tumors are rare slow growing, monoclonal, fibroblastic proliferation characterized by variable and often unpredictable clinical outcome, sometimes with aggressive infiltration of adjacent tissue but with no metastatic potential. Desmoids are histologically benign. On a molecular study level, they have been characterized by mutations in the β-catenin gene, APC (Adenomatous Polyposis Coli) gene or the CTNNB1. Gene studies are useful when the pathological diagnosis is difficult. Application of various multidisciplinary assessments along with multimodality treatment forms the basis of management for these patients. In selected asymptomatic patients, watchful waiting might be the most appropriate management. But for patients with desmoid located in other sites like the mesentery or at the head and neck region which might present with serious complications, thus requiring a more aggressive approach of treatment. In this article, we reported a 28-year-old female with a desmoid tumor of the anterior abdominal wall who underwent surgical resection. Preoperative evaluation was done using abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed a desmoid tumor. Because of the heterogeneity of the desmoid tumors, treatment needs to be individualized. However, complete surgical resection with negative margins seems to be the treatment of choice for this tumor entity and postoperative radiotherapy can help reduces the local recurrence rate.