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Elastrofibromas are rare lesions characterized by collagen and elastic fiber deposition. They are generally found in soft tissues and throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The pathogenesis of this lesion is still uncertain, but it is hypothesized to be a reactive process. We present a case of an appendiceal elastofibroma, a unique anatomic location that necessitated surgical removal, with pathologic findings suggestive of an inciting event from a sclerosed vascular abnormality.
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Oral elastofibromatous lesions (OEFLs) are rare benign tumor-like lesions of the oral cavity, which are characterized by marked hyperplasia of elastic fibers. A case of OEFL on the tip of the tongue of an 83-year-old male is presented. The lesion was a painless, yellowish-white, smooth-surfaced, elastic-soft, well-demarcated, slightly flattened, round plaque-like mucosal lesion, measuring about 4 x 3 mm. The lesion was excised under local anesthesia with the clinical diagnosis of an irritation fibroma and a benign tumor including a lipoma, and diagnosed histopathologically as an OEFL. Four years and nine months after the surgery, no abnormality was observed at the surgical site, and there were no signs of recurrence. In addition to a report of the case, the clinical and histopathological features of 14 similar cases reported in the English literature were reviewed.
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OBJECTIVE: Elastofibroma dorsi (ED) is a rare benign tumor located in the subscapular region. The aim of this study was to evaluate our clinical findings, surgical approach, and management of ED patients based on single-center data with the relevant literature. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective evaluation was conducted on 20 patients who were operated on for ED. RESULTS: Of the 16 (80%) female patients and 4 (20%) male patients, the main complaint was swelling (80%), and 10 cases (50%) had unilateral involvement. All patients were operated on using standard surgical procedures. Despite a long follow-up period (6-53 months, mean of 26.6 months), no recurrences were observed. Two patients (10%) required simple needle aspiration due to post-operative seroma, and one patient, due to infection, required evacuation (5%). CONCLUSION: Although rare, ED should not be overlooked in patients with swelling in the back region. Our data suggests that surgery can be safely performed in such patients after a clinical and radiological diagnosis of ED has been established.
OBJETIVO: Evaluar los hallazgos clínicos, el enfoque quirúrgico y el manejo de los pacientes con urgencias a partir de los datos de un solo centro y la literatura relevante. MÉTODO: Se realizó una evaluación retrospectiva de 20 pacientes que fueron operados de ED. RESULTADOS: En los 16 (80%), pacientes del sexo femenino y cuatro (20%) del sexo masculino, la queja principal fue la tumefacción (80%) y 10 casos (50%) tuvieron afectación unilateral. Todos los pacientes fueron operados utilizando procedimientos quirúrgicos estándar. Con un largo periodo de seguimiento (6-53 meses, media de 26.6 meses), no se observaron recurrencias. Dos pacientes (10%) requirieron aspiración con aguja simple por seroma posoperatorio y un paciente (5%) requirió evacuación por infección. CONCLUSIONES: Aunque es raro, el ED no debe pasarse por alto en pacientes con hinchazón en la región de la espalda. Nuestros datos sugieren que la cirugía se puede realizar de manera segura en estos pacientes después de haber establecido el diagnóstico clínico y radiológico de ED.
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Fibroma , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Estudios Retrospectivos , Fibroma/cirugía , Fibroma/diagnóstico por imagen , Fibroma/patología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto , Anciano , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos/cirugía , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos/patología , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos/diagnóstico por imagen , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/etiología , Seroma/etiologíaRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To explore the frequency of superior scapular elastofibroma dorsi in a large patient series with elastofibroma dorsi. METHODS: 136 chest CTs from January 2016 to July 2022 reporting elastofibroma dorsi were retrospectively analyzed. Three radiologists assessed the number, size, and location of elastofibroma dorsi. Continuous variables underwent two-tailed t-tests with p < 0.05. Inter-observer agreement was assessed by using Cohen's Kappa values. RESULTS: In 136 patients (mean age, 75.9 +/- 9.8 years; 117 female), 330 elastofibroma dorsi were found. Six (4.4 %) patients had single, 87 (64 %) double, 22 (16.2 %) triple and 21 (15.4 %) quadruple lesions. All single and double lesions were in the inferior scapular regions. 43 (31.6 %) patients had superior scapular lesions in addition to inferior scapular elastofibroma dorsi. Inferior scapular elastofibroma dorsi was significantly larger than superior scapular elastofibroma dorsi. The probability of a right superior lesion was significantly higher in patients with a larger right inferior lesion. Inter-observer agreement was very good for experienced radiologist (κ = 94.1) and good for other radiologists (κ = 79.4 and κ = 78). CONCLUSION: In contrast to current belief, superior scapular elastofibroma dorsi accompanying the typical inferior scapular lesions is not uncommon and can even manifest bilaterally. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case series reporting prevalence of quadruple elastofibroma dorsi.
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Fibroma , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos , Humanos , Femenino , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Estudios Retrospectivos , Fibroma/diagnóstico por imagen , Fibroma/patología , Escápula/diagnóstico por imagen , Escápula/patología , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos/patología , Tórax/patologíaRESUMEN
Benign tumors of the chest wall are rare tumors that might arise from all the tissues of the chest: vessels, nerves, bones, cartilage, and soft tissues. Despite benign features, these tumors can have several histological characteristics and different behaviors. Even if they do not influence life expectancy, rarely they may have a potential risk of malignant transformation. They can cause several, oft, unspecific symptoms but more than 20% of affected patients are asymptomatic and are being diagnosed incidentally on chest radiograph or computed tomography scan. Pain is the most common described symptom. Together with a detailed medical history, a rigorous and meticulous clinical and radiological assessment is mandatory. If radiological features are unclear or in case surgery could not be performed, a biopsy should be indicated to establish a diagnosis. Radical surgical resection can often be offered to resect and cure these neoplasms, but this is might not be true for all types of tumors and, in some cases, their dimension or position might contra-indicate surgery. Given the rarity of these tumors, there is a lack of treatment's guidelines and prospective trials that include a significant number of patients. This review discusses, according to the latest evidence, the histological features and the best treatment of several chest wall benign tumors.
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OBJECTIVE: In this work, we have used histopathology as the gold standard for the diagnosis, calculated the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of computed tomography (CT), and analyzed the CT and clinical characteristics of pathologically proven elastofibromas. METHODS: A systematic retrospective analysis was performed on all patients with infrascapular lesions who were treated in the hospital from 2006 to 2018. CT and histopathological examinations were performed for all cases, and the CT sensitivity and PPV for the diagnosis of elastofibroma were calculated. 12 of 53 cases (20 lesions) underwent enhanced CT scan after CT plain scan, and the related clinical and CT features of elastofibromas have been discussed. RESULTS: Of the 54 patients treated during the study, CT diagnosis was consistent with histopathology in 53 cases. One was a false-positive patient. The PPV and sensitivity of the CT in the diagnosis of elastofibroma were 93.3% (95% CI 68.0%-99.8%) and 100%, respectively. The CT values of 12 patients with 20 lesions on plain and enhanced scans were statistically significant (P=0.001). The prevalence of elastofibromas in males and females was statistically significant (P=.000). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of left and right elastofibromas (P=0.752). There was no significant difference in the volume of left and right lesions (P=0.209) and the volume of elastofibromas between males and females (P=.474). CONCLUSION: CT is the most practical tool for the evaluation of elastofibromas in the infrascapular region.
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Elastofibroma dorsi (EFD) is an uncommon benign tumor of mesenchymal origin that usually occurs in the subscapular region. Bilateral and triple EFD are frequently reported in the literature but cases with more lesions have never been described. Our patient is a 50-year-old female with quadruple locations of bilateral suprascapular and subscapular EFD who presented with left shoulder pain and swelling over the affected area. Clinical presentation, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and biopsy were consistent with EFD. Therapeutic excision was performed and successfully alleviated the patient's discomfort. This report presents the first case of quadruple locations of EFD and highlights the value of MRI in the diagnosis of EFD, especially when there are multiple masses with indistinct margins are deeply located in the chest wall.
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A 55-year-old female presented with elastofibroma of the thigh. On presentation, she complained of a palpable, painful mass on the anterolateral right thigh that had been present for one year. She had a history of surgery for a right femur fracture. On MRI, a soft-tissue mass was seen in the vastus intermedius muscle, as a heterogeneous lesion with streaky fatty and fibrous components. The fibrous component was isointense to the muscle, and the fatty component had a high signal on both T1- and T2-weighted images. Histopathological analysis after biopsy established the diagnosis of elastofibroma.
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Objetivo Presentar una serie de pacientes con elastofibroma dorsi (ED) para recordar la patología y justificar su manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico en el ámbito de la atención primaria. Materiales y métodos Estudio retrospectivo observacional y longitudinal de 12 pacientes con 18ED. Se analizaron las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y de imagen. Los resultados del tratamiento se evaluaron atendiendo al dolor (escala EVA), la función del hombro (escala de Constant y Murley) y la calidad de vida (escala EuroQol-5 dimension [EQ-5D]). El tiempo medio de seguimiento de los casos fue de 60,5meses (5años, RIC: 1-161meses). Resultados Seis pacientes fueron hombres y seis fueron mujeres, con edad media al diagnóstico de 59años. El diagnóstico de sospecha en todos los casos fue clínico y de imagen. Solo tres precisaron intervención quirúrgica. Los resultados de todos fueron satisfactorios. Conclusiones Tanto el diagnóstico como la indicación del tratamiento de un ED puede hacerse en el ámbito de la atención primaria. En los casos típicos, que son mayoría, la historia clínica y una ecografía permiten un diagnóstico de certeza. La indicación terapéutica conservadora o quirúrgica depende de la decisión del paciente informado. Cuando existen dudas diagnósticas o el paciente desea la resección quirúrgica de la tumoración, habría que derivar al paciente al especialista hospitalario (AU)
Objective To present a series of patients with elastofibroma dorsi (ED) in order to recall the pathology and justify its diagnostic and therapeutic management in the primary care setting. Materials and methods Retrospective observational and longitudinal study of 12 patients with 18ED. Epidemiological, clinical and imaging characteristics were analysed. Treatment outcomes were assessed in terms of pain (VAS scale), shoulder function (Constant and Murley scale) and quality of life (EuroQol-5 dimension scale, EQ-5D). The mean follow-up of the cases was 60.5months (5years, range 1-161months). Results Six patients were male and six were female, with a mean age at diagnosis of 59years. The diagnosis of suspicion in all cases was based in clinical and imaging findings. Only three required surgery. The results of all were satisfactory. Conclusions Both the diagnosis and the indication for treatment of an ED can be made in the primary care setting. In typical cases, which are the majority, the clinical history and an ultrasound study allow a diagnosis of certainty. The indication for conservative or surgical treatment depends on the informed patient. When there are diagnostic doubts or the patient wishes surgical resection of the tumour, the patient should be referred to a hospital specialist (AU)
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Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , Atención Primaria de Salud , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos/terapia , Fibroma/diagnóstico , Fibroma/terapia , Estudios Retrospectivos , Estudios Longitudinales , Tratamiento Conservador , Resultado del Tratamiento , Estudios de SeguimientoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To present a series of patients with elastofibroma dorsi (ED) in order to recall the pathology and justify its diagnostic and therapeutic management in the primary care setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational and longitudinal study of 12 patients with 18ED. Epidemiological, clinical and imaging characteristics were analysed. Treatment outcomes were assessed in terms of pain (VAS scale), shoulder function (Constant and Murley scale) and quality of life (EuroQol-5 dimension scale, EQ-5D). The mean follow-up of the cases was 60.5months (5years, range 1-161months). RESULTS: Six patients were male and six were female, with a mean age at diagnosis of 59years. The diagnosis of suspicion in all cases was based in clinical and imaging findings. Only three required surgery. The results of all were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Both the diagnosis and the indication for treatment of an ED can be made in the primary care setting. In typical cases, which are the majority, the clinical history and an ultrasound study allow a diagnosis of certainty. The indication for conservative or surgical treatment depends on the informed patient. When there are diagnostic doubts or the patient wishes surgical resection of the tumour, the patient should be referred to a hospital specialist.
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Fibroma , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Fibroma/diagnóstico , Fibroma/epidemiología , Fibroma/cirugía , Estudios de Seguimiento , Estudios Longitudinales , Atención Primaria de Salud , Calidad de Vida , Estudios Retrospectivos , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos/terapia , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos/patologíaRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency, imaging findings, and patient demographics of synchronous elastofibroma dorsi (ED) and pelvic elastofibromas. METHODS: Image archives between 2011 and 2021 were retrospectively searched for CT and MRI reports including the keyword "elastofibroma". Patients with concomitant CT and/or MRI of the chest and pelvic regions were included. The greatest thickness and side of ED were noted. Subsequently, pelvic soft tissues were evaluated for a soft tissue mass with similar radiological features to ED. When detected, its location, greatest transverse diameter, and ischiofemoral space widths were noted. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U-tests were performed when appropriate. Pearson's correlations were used to assess the association of presence of subgluteal-ischiofemoral elastofibromas (SGIFE) and ED thickness. The model discrimination of ED thickness was evaluated by calculating the AUC of the ROC. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients (Male:Female = 8:80) with a mean age of 70.6 (±10.3) years were included. 96.6 % of patients had bilateral ED. 18.2 % of patients (all females) had at least one concomitant SGIFE. Patients with SGIFE had significantly thicker ED (p < 0.001 right; p = 0.049 left). There was a significant positive correlation between the thickness of ED and presence of SGIFE (r = 0.43, p < 0.001 right; r = 0.25, p = 0.019 left). An AUC of 0.781 (p < 0.001, 95 %-CI:0.675-0.887) and 0.659 (p = 0.049, 95 %-CI:0.523-0.794) were revealed regarding the presence of ipsilateral right and left SGIFE, respectively. CONCLUSION: Concomitant SGIFE may accompany ED in up to 18.2% of cases, particularly in women with thick ED. Knowledge of this co-occurrence and the described SGIFE characteristics can facilitate correct diagnosis.
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Fibroma , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Anciano , Estudios Retrospectivos , Fibroma/diagnóstico por imagen , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Tórax , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos/diagnóstico por imagenRESUMEN
Background Elastofibroma dorsi (ED) is an uncommon benign connective-tissue tumor, usually seen in the subscapular region of women after the fifth decade. The study aimed to determine the prevalence, radiological characteristics, and the rates of mention in the initial radiology reports of ED incidentally detected by chest computed tomography (CT) imaging in a large population. Methodology This study was conducted at Hitit University, Erol Olçok Training and Research Hospital Radiology Department in Çorum, Turkey. A total of 3,299 patients (1,554 females, 1,745 males) who underwent non-contrast chest CT for various reasons were included in this retrospective study. The presence, side, thickness, and density of ED were investigated in these patients. Differences in gender and laterality were assessed statistically. It was also reviewed whether it was stated in the initial radiology report or not. Results ED was detected in 79 (2.4%) of 3,299 patients, in 60 (75.9%) females and 19 (24.1%) males with a median age of 57.5 years (range, 18-99 years). The risk of ED presence was determined to be 3.65-fold in females than in males. In the cases determined with ED, the median age was 75 years (range, 53-96 years), and ED was not determined in any patient aged <50 years. A statistically significant correlation was determined between age and the presence of ED (p < 0.001). No statistically significant correlation was found between age and ED thickness or density (p = 0.602, p = 0.233, respectively). It was noted that none of the patients were diagnosed in the first radiological report. Conclusions ED can be easily overlooked on cross-sectional examinations because of the similar appearance and density to adjacent structures. Knowledge of the characteristic radiological features of these lesions and increased awareness of radiologists will make early diagnosis possible in asymptomatic cases.
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Elastofibroma dorsi (ED) is a rare tumor that most often occurs in the subscapular and infrascapular region between the thoracic wall, serratus anterior, and latissimus dorsi muscle. Based on a review of the literature, ED has been deemed an extremely rare entity. However, the incidence may be greater and is difficult to determine as the majority of ED being asymptomatic and therefore undiagnosed. Surgical excision is commonly performed when patients present with pain associated with ED. This being the case, it is important to evaluate the factors contributing to the pain seen in these patients and to evaluate the risks vs benefits of intervening in symptomatic ED patients who present for possible surgical intervention. We herein report a case of bilateral ED, situated in the upper back with only the right side being symptomatic in a 56-year-old male laborer. Due to pain in the right upper back, the patient underwent surgical removal of the ED. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient had an excellent recovery. A review of the literature showed no correlation between pain on presentation and tumor size or location. Major complications of treating these patients include seroma or hematoma formation which according to the literature can be avoided using postoperative tube drainage and compressing bandages.
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Background: In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between the side of elastofibroma dorsi formation and the dominant-hand of the patients we operated. Methods: A total of 84 patients with elastofibroma dorsi (12 males, 72 females; mean age: 55.5±7.0 years; range, 43 to 74 years) were retrospectively analyzed between April 2007 and May 2019. Dominant hand, location, size, sex, age, occupations and follow-up of the mass were recorded and the pre- and postoperative Visual Analog Scale scores were noted. Results: The mean symptom duration was 9.5±7.8 (range, 3 to 48) months. The lesions were located on the right in 49 (58.3%), on the left in 16 (19%) and bilateral in 19 (22.6%). There was no significant difference between the mass size and age, symptom duration and complication development (p=0.129). A significant relation was found between the formation of the mass on the side of the dominant hand (p=0.010). A significant difference was found between the pre- and postoperative Day 90 Visual Analog Scale scores (p<0.001), indicating a significant decrease in the pain scores. Conclusion: Elastofibroma dorsi has good clinical results after surgical resection. In our series, the patients had significantly more elastofibroma dorsi on their dominant-hand side.
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BACKGROUND: Elastofibroma dorsi is a rare benign tumor of soft tissue, typically under the lower angle of the scapula. Its specific location and distinctive clinical symptoms can provide enough information for diagnosis. Nevertheless, pathological confirmation by biopsy may be needed to rule out other malignancies. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we present two cases of 63-year-old and 49-year-old female Asian patients who came to us with the chief complaint of pain and bulging in their shoulders. Both patients had rubbery and mobile masses. Also, shoulder movements were not restricted in the examination; however, the patients expressed pain during movements. Computed tomography scans were compatible with the diagnosis of elastofibroma dorsi. Surgical excision was performed for both cases owing to the symptomatic nature of the masses, and histopathological findings confirmed the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Elastofibroma dorsi is a benign pseudotumor presenting with an uncomfortable feeling in the shoulder with movement in older females. In typical symptom-free cases of elastofibroma dorsi, observation is sufficient, while in symptomatic patients or if there is suspicion of malignancy, complete resection with marginal resection is the treatment of choice.
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Fibroma , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos , Anciano , Femenino , Fibroma/diagnóstico por imagen , Fibroma/cirugía , Humanos , Dolor , Escápula/diagnóstico por imagen , Escápula/patología , Escápula/cirugía , Hombro/diagnóstico por imagen , Hombro/patología , Hombro/cirugía , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos/cirugíaRESUMEN
Elastofibroma dorsi is a well-known benign chest wall tumor. Herein, we present a case in which an elastofibroma protruded into the thoracic cavity, leading to inverted intercostal hernia. Imaging revealed a soft tissue mass containing fat, typical of elastofibroma dorsi; however, precise diagnosis was difficult owing to the location of this mass that protruded into the thoracic cavity. Liposarcoma had to be ruled out because it was a growing fat-containing mass. Considering that the tumor moved while the patient was undergoing computed tomography-guided biopsy in the prone position, a diagnosis of inverted intercostal hernia of elastofibroma dorsi was made. We report this case with a review of current literature.
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Elastofibroma dorsi is an uncommon benign soft-tissue tumor with uncertain pathogenesis (Medicina (Kaunas), 2021; 57, 370). Surgical excision is the therapeutic option for symptomatic patients. A pathological study confirms the diagnosis after surgery. The prognosis is excellent with extremely rare recurrence cases (Anticancer Res, 2021, 41, 2211).
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Elastofibroma is a benign soft tumor that is composed of elastic fibers in a background of collagenous and adipose tissue. However, the presence of multiple elastofibromas is considered a rare occasion. We report the case of a 39-year-old man who presented to our general practice clinic with a complaint of upper back swelling for the last three months. The swelling was completely painless. It was not associated with ulceration of the overlying skin. He reported that the swelling had not been increasing in size. There was no history of anorexia, weight loss, or preceding trauma. On examination, both shoulders had a normal range of motion with no restriction due to the mass lesions. To further characterize the mass lesions, the patient underwent a computed tomography scan of the thorax. It demonstrated bilateral lenticular subscapular mass lesions that were ill-defined but had similar attenuation to that of adjacent skeletal muscle along with the presence of interspersed streaks of fat. Such findings represent the diagnosis of elastofibroma. However, the patient was concerned about the possibility of the malignant nature of these lesions and insisted on having the surgical resection of the mass. The histopathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of elastofibroma. Elastofibroma is a benign soft tissue tumor that is diagnosed incidentally in the majority of cases. However, multiple elastofibroma, as in the present case, is considered unusual. The case demonstrated the radiological and histopathological features of elastofibroma. The imaging findings are characteristics and can prevent unnecessary biopsy or surgical intervention. However, if clinically indicated, surgical resection is considered curative.
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OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and demographic data regarding incidentally encountered elastofibroma dorsi (EFD) in the Saudi population-based on chest CT (computed tomography) scans. METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out on 4,435 chest CT examinations that were collected between January 2014 and December 2016 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. One musculoskeletal radiologist who was unaware of the patients' clinical presentations or reasons for CT study reviewed the 4,435 chest CTs prospectively, searching for soft tissue tumors in the subscapular region. RESULTS: Elastofibroma dorsi was incidentally confirmed via CT scan in 36 of the 4,435 patients, including 8 males and 28 females, with a mean age of 76.6 years, yielding a prevalence of 0.8%. Elastofibroma dorsi was more common in females, with a 3.3-fold higher prevalence (77.8%) as compared to males (22.2%); however, this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Twenty-five (69.44%) patients had unilateral EFD and 11 (30.56%) had bilateral EFD. Right-sided EFD was encountered in 60% of females and 50% of males. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant correlation between the size of EFD and the patient's gender or age (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Elastofibroma dorsi is a rare but uncommon incidental finding on routine chest CT examination encountered in 0.8% of elderly Saudi patients.
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Fibroma , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos , Anciano , Femenino , Fibroma/diagnóstico por imagen , Fibroma/epidemiología , Humanos , Masculino , Prevalencia , Estudios Retrospectivos , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos/epidemiología , Centros de Atención Terciaria , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos XRESUMEN
Elastofibroma is a benign and rare fibroblast/myofibroblast tumor usually located near the periosteum of the ribs. Patients with elastofibroma can remain asymptomatic or can experience a clicking sensation during shoulder movements, shoulder stiffness, scapular and shoulder pain and dysfunction. Importantly, the symptoms can mimic a musculoskeletal condition being mistaken for orthopedic shoulder joint disease. A 54 years-old amateur swimmer self-referred to physiotherapy for left subscapular and shoulder pain. Concerns from the patient's history that caused suspicion of a medical condition included an insidious onset of nagging deep pain that increased with upper limb exertion and an audible thoracic clunk at arm end range flexion. Deep palpatory examination revealed a mass below the latissimus dorsi and rhomboids further screened by the physiotherapist with Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging. The physiotherapist referred the patient to a thoracic surgeon who removed the mass. After an exercise-based physiotherapy management program, the patient returned to previous activities including swimming after 5 months. The challenge for clinicians is to screen patients in whom shoulder pain may be related to non-musculoskeletal conditions. Prompt referral of patients presenting with the suspicion of elastofibroma to an appropriate physician may lead to a timely diagnosis and could avoid expensive and unnecessary rehabilitation procedures.