Case Report

Desmoid Tumor Arising in the Site of Previous Surgery in the Left Lower Quadrant of the Abdomen

Authors: Chien-Ming Liao, MD, Wei-Chou Chang, MD, Kai-Hsiung Ko, MD, Hung-Wen, Kao MD, Ming-Fang Cheng, MD, Guo-Shu Huang, MD, Ching-Jiunn Wu, MD

Abstract

A desmoid tumor is a fibroblastic proliferation arising in musculoaponeurotic structures. The pathogenesis is still not clear. A 79-year-old woman who developed a desmoid tumor in the left lower abdomen after surgical resection of an abdominal lipoma seven years previously is presented. Preoperative computed tomography showed a large left lower abdominal mass. Pathology showed the spindle fibroblastic cell pattern typical of desmoids.


Key Points


* Desmoid tumors belong to a group of disorders called fibromatoses that are characterized by fibroblastic proliferation.


* These tumors are commonly linked with previous trauma, surgery, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), hormonal factors, pregnancy, and female sex.


* It is difficult to make a correct diagnosis of a large intra-abdominal mass based on radiological methods. One should keep in mind a diagnosis of desmoid tumor when surgical clips are adjacent to the mass in a patient with a history of previous surgery.

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