The management of extra-abdominal desmoid tumours

Unusual Presentation of an Uncommon Malignancy: A 74-Year-Old Woman with Aggressive Fibromatosis of the Large Intestine Presenting as a Liver Mass and the Therapeutic Management

BACKGROUND Desmoid tumors are a fibroblastic proliferation of soft tissues, with an extreme inclination for local dissemination and recurrence. Surgical excision is the usual treatment choice, with data regarding pharmaceutical treatment being scarce. CASE REPORT A 74-year-old female patient was admitted to "Laikon" General Hospital of Athens, Greece presenting with acute kidney injury secondary to diarrhea. The ultrasound, CT, and abdominal MRI performed showed a 12×6×10 cm tumorous liver lesion. Biopsy of the lesion revealed loosely organized, mesenchymal tissue with spindle cells, and myxoid stroma. Immunochemistry was positive for SMA and b-catenin. Right hemicolectomy was performed with tumor-free surgical margins (R0 resection) and tamoxifen was initiated. Six months after the last MRI (3 months after the use of tamoxifen), a follow-up MRI was performed. The tumor had increased to 14.2×11×12.3 cm, and at the next follow-up it had grown to 20.3×19 cm maximal dimensions; no new metastases were found. The patient received sorafenib and pazopanib. Our patient had PFS with sorafenib for more than 2 years and remained in a good performance status (ECOG 1). For Pazopanid, the median PFS for this treatment option was 6.5 months. CONCLUSIONS The results were good and show a promising method for the treatment of this rare but severe malignancy.

Misdiagnosis of ligamentoid fibromatosis of the small mesenteric: A case report

BACKGROUND

Ligamentoid fibromatosis is a rare borderline tumor that occurs in the muscles, fascia, and aponeurosis. It is a kind of soft tissue tumor of fibrous origin, also known as invasive fibromatosis, desmoid fibroma, neurofibromatosis, etc. The tumor is between benign and malignant tumors and rarely has distant metastasis. Its characteristics are mainly local invasion, destruction and growth and easy recurrence. The World Health Organization defines it as a fibroblast cloning value-added lesion originating from deep soft tissue, which causes local invasion and growth leading to tissue reconstruction, extrusion and destruction of important structures and organs. The incidence rate accounts for 0.03% of all tumors and less than 3% of all soft tissue tumors. Definite diagnosis mainly depends on postoperative pathology. Surgical resection is still the main way to treat the disease, and a variety of nonsurgical treatment methods are auxiliary. Combined treatment can effectively reduce the risk of postoperative recurrence.

CASE SUMMARY

The patient is a 57-year-old female. One week ago, she accidentally found a mass in the left upper abdomen while lying flat. There was no abdominal pain and abdominal distention, no fever, no black stool and blood in the stool and no nausea and vomiting. She had a 10-year history of glaucoma on the left side, underwent hysterectomy for uterine fibroids 5 years ago, had no hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, hepatitis or tuberculosis, had no history of smoking and had been drinking for 20 years.

CONCLUSION

Accurate preoperative diagnosis is difficult, surgical resection is the main treatment, and a variety of nonsurgical treatment methods are auxiliary. Combined treatment can effectively reduce the risk of postoperative recurrence. The prognosis is still good, and the risk of recurrence of secondary surgery is greatly increased.

[Long-term effectiveness of "West China Classification" guided surgical treatment of desmoid-type fibromatosis in shoulder girdle]

Objective

To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of patients received surgical treatment under the guidance of "West China Classification" of desmoid-type fibromatosis (DTF) in the shoulder girdle.

Methods

The clinical data of 32 patients with DTF in the shoulder girdle admitted between June 2003 and December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed, including 14 males and 18 females, aged 14-56 years with an average age of 36.8 years. The maximum diameter of the tumor was 7-19 cm, with an average of 11.1 cm. According to the "West China Classification" of DTF in the shoulder girdle, there were 4 cases of region Ⅰ, 3 cases of region Ⅱ, 6 cases of region Ⅲ, 3 cases of region Ⅳ, 5 cases of regions Ⅰ+Ⅱ, 5 cases of regions Ⅱ+Ⅲ, and 6 cases of regions Ⅰ+Ⅱ+Ⅲ. In addition, the involvement of blood vessels and nerves was also taken into consideration for choosing a surgical approach. Finally, 12 cases were operated via anteroposterior approach (group A), 14 via posterior approach (group B), and 6 via combined anterior-posterior approach (group C). The 1993 Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS93) score (including pain, limb function, satisfaction, hand position, hand flexibility, and lifting ability), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, range of motion (ROM) of shoulder joint (including flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction), and complications of patients in the 3 groups were recorded and compared.

Results

All the 32 patients were followed up 30-190 months, with an average of 94.6 months. At last follow-up, complications occurred in 5 cases (15.6%), including 2 cases (16.6%) in group A, 2 (14.3%) in group B, and 1 (16.6%) in group C. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications among the 3 groups ( P=1.000). Tumor recurrence occurred in 5 (15.6%) cases, including 1 (8.3%) case in group A, 2 (14.3%) in group B, and 1 (16.6%) in group C. No significant difference was found in the recurrence rate among the 3 groups ( P=1.000). At last follow-up, MSTS93 score of pain, limb function, satisfaction, hand flexibility, and hand position in groups A and B were significantly better than those in group C ( P<0.05), even though no significant difference existed between group A and group B ( P>0.05). The lifting ability score in group C was significantly lower than in group A ( P<0.05), and no significant difference was found between other groups ( P>0.05). The JOA score and flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction activities of shoulder in groups A and B were significantly better than those in group C ( P<0.05). The extension activity in group A was significantly better than that in group B ( P<0.05), the flexion activity in group B was significantly better than that in group A ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in other indexes between groups A and B ( P>0.05).

Conclusion

Taking a rational approach to fully expose and completely remove the tumor is the key point of surgical treatment for patients with DTF in the shoulder girdle. At the same time, preservation of vital structures and reconstruction of soft tissues should also be taken into consideration. Overall, surgical treatment under the guidance of "West China Classification" of DTF in the shoulder girdle has achieved satisfactory long-term effectiveness.

The management of desmoid tumours: A joint global consensus-based guideline approach for adult and paediatric patients

Desmoid tumor (DT; other synonymously used terms: Desmoid-type fibromatosis, aggressive fibromatosis) is a rare and locally aggressive monoclonal, fibroblastic proliferation characterised by a variable and often unpredictable clinical course. Previously surgery was the standard primary treatment modality; however, in recent years a paradigm shift towards a more conservative management has been introduced and an effort to harmonise the strategy amongst clinicians has been made. We present herein an evidence-based, joint global consensus guideline approach to the management of this disease focussing on: molecular genetics, indications for an active treatment, and available systemic therapeutic options. This paper follows a one-day consensus meeting held in Milan, Italy, in June 2018 under the auspices of the European Reference Network for rare solid adult cancers, EURACAN, the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Group (STBSG) as well as Sarcoma Patients EuroNet (SPAEN) and The Desmoid tumour Research Foundation (DTRF). The meeting brought together over 50 adult and pediatric sarcoma experts from different disciplines, patients and patient advocates from Europe, North America and Japan.

Desmoid fibromatosis in the foot: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Desmoid fibromatosis is a rare benign neoplasm arising from musculoaponeurotic structures with the potential to infiltrate local tissues and recur locally. While the commonly affected regions are the shoulder, chest wall and back, thigh, head and neck, localization in the foot is rare and only a few cases have been reported. Deep-seated lesions of foot tend to spread along the fascia and nerve or tendon sheaths.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We present a case of a 41-year-old female with a 3 years history of a slowly enlarging painful mass in the right foot.

DIAGNOSES

Desmoid fibromatosis was diagnosed based on clinical manifestations, imaging findings and pathological examinations.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated by local incomplete resection.

OUTCOMES

The patient recovered well postoperatively and was well followed up at our outpatient department with no evidence of recurrence during 16 months of follow-up after local excision.

LESSONS

Surgical excision is recommended for symptomatic lesions located in the foot. However, it is difficult to excise thoroughly and periodic follow-up is needed to monitor for recurrence. Further study is warranted to determine whether patients benefit more from function preservation instead of complete resection.

Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes Following Various Treatment Options for Patients with Extraabdominal Desmoid Tumors

BACKGROUND

Desmoid tumors (DT) are rare clonal proliferations that arise from mesenchymal cells. These tumors do not metastasize but are locally aggressive, and their growth may lead to significant morbidity. Their clinical course is both variable and unpredictable; tumors may rapidly progress but in other instances remain stable or regress without intervention.

AIMS

To examine current treatment of DT and assist with decision-making at time of presentation.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted of MEDLINE and Cochrane databases for published studies (1995-July 2015) using the search terms fibromatosis aggressive, desmoid with drug therapy, radiation therapy, prevention and control, radiotherapy, surgery, and therapy. Articles were categorized as surgery, radiation, surgery + radiation, systemic therapy, and front-line observation. Articles were included if they reported a retrospective or prospective comparative or observational study with an analyzed sample size of 10 patients or more with confirmed diagnosis of desmoid tumor and described one of the following clinical outcomes: relapse- or progression-free survival, local control rate, response rate.

RESULTS

258 articles were reviewed; following screening for eligibility, 54 were identified; following full-text screen, 31 were included in final evaluation. The control rate for patients treated with a "wait and see" observational approach compared favorably with management with surgery and resulted in disease control rates of between 60 and 92%.

CONCLUSIONS

Decision-making in this rare tumor is complicated by the range of treatment options available. Our evidence supports use of an upfront observational approach.

Four different treatment strategies in aggressive fibromatosis: A systematic review

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Relative good overall local control rate of all four different treatment groups of  >75%.

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Multivariate analysis shows deep seated tumors, age (<30 years) and extracompartmentally situated tumors as negative predicting markers of local outcome.

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The radiotherapy alone group did not have better local control rates than the observation group (p = 0.355).

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In case of recurrent disease, adjuvant radiotherapy has a definite advantage over surgery alone (p = 0.001).

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Radiotherapy alone gives in 50% of cases partial or complete regression, and in 14% complete regression. Eventually 23% develop local progression.

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Observation could be considered as first line treatment in patients with tumors not in close adherence to important structures and no symptoms.

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Stabilization of the tumor arose after a median time of  >1 year after observation, and a local recurrence or progression occurred after a median time of <3 years.

Background

The treatment approach for aggressive fibromatosis is changing. Although surgery is the mainstay in common practice, recent literature is reporting a more conservative approach. We compared the local control rate for surgery, surgery with radiotherapy, radiotherapy alone and a wait and see policy in a systematic review.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the databases PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane, of the medical literature published in 1999 till March 2017 was performed by two reviewers, including articles about extra abdominal aggressive fibromatosis without the genetical variants. A total of 671 studies were assessed for eligibility, and 37 studies were included for analysis, representing 2780 patients.

Results

The local control rates for surgery alone, surgery and radiotherapy, radiotherapy alone and observation were 75%, 78%, 85% and 78%, respectively. For patients with recurrent disease observation had a better local control rate than surgery alone (p = 0.001). In the observation group, stabilization of the tumor was seen in median 14 (range 12–35) months. The time to local recurrence in the treatment group was median 17 (range, 11–52) months.

Conclusion

A watchful conservative first line approach with just observation and closely monitoring, by means of physical examination and MRI, appears to be justified in a subgroup of patients without clinical symptoms and no possible health hazards if the tumor would progress.

EXTRA-ABDOMINAL DESMOID TUMOR: ANALYSIS OF 23 CONSECUTIVE CASES IN A SINGLE INSTITUTION

OBJECTIVE

Extra-abdominal desmoid tumor (EDT) is a rare condition, caused by proliferation of fibroblasts. Despite being a benign tumor, it is locally aggressive and has unpredictable clinical behavior. The objective of this study is to present the clinical outcomes of patients with EDT treated surgically between 1995 and 2016.

METHODS

This is a retrospective series of 23 patients with histopathological diagnosis of EDT that underwent surgery at the orthopedic oncology service of our hospital. The information was obtained from the institute's clinical and pathology reports.

RESULTS

A total of 223 medical records with histopathological reports were evaluated. Only 23 cases of EDT were included in the present study. The mean age was 22.5 years. Twelve (52.2%) patients had the tumor on the lower limbs, seven (30.4%) on the upper limbs and four (17.4%) cases were reported on the back. Five (21.7%) patients had tumors measuring less than 5 cm, while eighteen (78.3%) patients had tumors measuring more than 5 cm. All patients underwent surgery as the definitive treatment in our institute. Twelve (52.2%) cases presented negative margins (NM) and eleven (47.8%) cases had positive margins (PM). Local recurrence (LR) occurred in eleven (47.8%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Impairment of the surgical margin was the only prognostic factor found for LR of EDT. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

EXTRA-ABDOMINAL DESMOID TUMOR: LOCAL RECURRENCE AND TREATMENT OPTIONS

Objective:

To evaluate the rate of local recurrence of extra-abdominal desmoid tumor and compare the outcomes of surgical treatment and conservative treatment.

Methods:

Twenty one patients (14 women and seven men), mean age 33.0±8.7 years old, with a diagnosis of desmoid tumor were evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 58.5±29.0 months. Fourteen cases involved the lower limbs, four cases involved the upper limbs, and three cases involved the trunk. The average tumor size was 12.7±7.5 cm. Of the 21 patients, 14 did not undergo previous treatment and seven patients relapsed before the initial evaluation. Surgical treatment was performed in 16 patients and conservative treatment was performed in five patients.

Results:

Recurrence occurred in seven patients (33%) and six of them relapsed within the first 18 months. No significant difference was observed between conservative and surgical treatment. However, a significant difference was observed among patients undergoing wide resection and who experienced improved local control.

Conclusion:

The recurrence rate of desmoid tumor was 33.3%. There was no difference in recurrence between conservative and surgical treatment. In surgical treatment, wide margins showed better results for recurrence control. Level of Evidence III. Retrospective Observational Study.

Desmoid Tumors: A Clear Perspective or a Persisting Enigma? A Case Report and Review of Literature

Desmoid tumors are benign but locally aggressive tumors of mesenchymal origin which are poorly circumscribed, infiltrate the surrounding tissue, lack a true capsule and are composed of abundant collagen. History of trauma or surgery to the site of tumor origin is elicited in up to one in four cases and they most commonly develop in the anterior abdominal wall and shoulder girdle but they can arise in any skeletal muscle. The clinical behavior and natural history of desmoid tumors are unpredictable and management is difficult with many issues remaining controversial, mainly regarding early detection, the role, type and timing of surgery and the value of non-operative therapies. We report a case of anterior abdominal wall desmoid tumor in a 40-year-old male with a previous history of surgery.

Treatment and follow-up strategies in desmoid tumours: a practice guideline

OBJECTIVES

We set out to determine the optimal treatment options-surgery, radiation therapy (rt), systemic therapy, or any combinations thereof-for patients with desmoid tumours once the decision to undergo active treatment has been made (that is, monitoring and observation have been determined to be inadequate).provide clinical-expert consensus opinions on follow-up strategies in patients with desmoid tumours after primary interventional management.

METHODS

This guideline was developed by Cancer Care Ontario's Program in Evidence-Based Care and the Sarcoma Disease Site Group. The medline, embase, and Cochrane Library databases, main guideline Web sites, and abstracts of relevant annual meetings (1990 to September 2012) were searched. Internal and external reviews were conducted, with final approval by the Program in Evidence-Based Care and the Sarcoma Disease Site Group.

RECOMMENDATIONS TREATMENTS

Surgery with or without rt can be a reasonable treatment option for patients with desmoid tumours whose surgical morbidity is deemed to be low.The decision about whether rt should be offered in conjunction with surgery should be made by clinicians and patients after weighing the potential benefit of improved local control against the potential harms and toxicity associated with rt.Depending on individual patient preferences, systemic therapy alone or rt alone might also be reasonable treatment options, regardless of whether the desmoid umours are deemed to be resectable.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOLLOW-UP STRATEGIES

Undergo evaluation for rehabilitation (occupational therapy or physical therapy, or both).Continue with rehabilitation until maximal function is achieved.Undergo history and physical examinations with appropriate imaging every 3-6 months for 2-3 years, and then annually.

A systematic review of active treatment options in patients with desmoid tumours

INTRODUCTION

We conducted a systematic review to determine the optimal treatment options in patients with desmoid tumours who have declined observational management.

METHODS

A search was conducted of the medline and embase databases (1990 to September 2012), the Cochrane Library, and relevant guideline Web sites and conference materials.

RESULTS

One systematic review and forty-six studies met the preplanned study selection criteria; data from twenty-eight articles were extracted and analyzed. For local control, three studies reported a statistically significant difference in favour of surgery plus radiotherapy (rt) compared with surgery alone, and one study did not; two studies reported the lack of a statistical difference between surgery plus rt and rt alone in maintaining local control. Multivariate risk factors for local recurrence included positive surgical margins and young patient age. Single-agent imatinib led to a progression-free survival rate of 55% at 2 years and 58% at 3 years. Methotrexate plus vinblastine led to a progression-free survival rate of 67% at 10 years. Significant toxicities were reported for all treatment modalities, including surgical morbidity, and rt- and chemotherapy-related toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who have declined observational management, the local control rate was higher with surgery plus rt than with surgery alone. However, the additional rt-related complications should be considered in treatment decision-making. Surgery, rt, and systemic therapy are all reasonable treatment options for patients with desmoid tumours.

Extra-abdominal desmoid fibromatosis--a sarcoma unit review of practice, long term recurrence rates and survival

INTRODUCTION

Desmoid fibromatosis (DF) carries a significant morbidity and a recognised mortality. Despite this there are currently limited diagnostic or treatment algorithms specific to cases of extra-abdominal DF. Historically surgical excision has formed the cornerstone of treatment. Recently however a paradigm shift has meant many practitioners now adopt a more conservative approach, placing emphasis on active surveillance, function preserving resections, and non-surgical oncologic therapies.

METHODS

We performed an 8-year retrospective review of all cases of extra-abdominal DF managed within our region to assess the consistency of diagnostics, management and long-term outcome.

RESULTS

47 eligible cases were identified. Mean age at diagnosis was 41.3 years (1-81 years). Disease location and speciality of diagnosing practitioners were varied. Management was generally inconsistent. Variation was seen in imaging, biopsy techniques, MDT involvement and management. At a median follow up of 4.9 years our local recurrence rate was 19%.

DISCUSSION

The optimal management of DF is unknown. This has led to a lack of formalised guidance for practitioners managing this challenging condition, resulting in inconsistencies and areas for improvement in current management. We propose a diagnostic pathway which may improve consistency of care, reduce potentially unnecessary surgery and the associated morbidity, and significantly increase the rate of complete (R0) surgical resections when surgery is deemed appropriate whilst not significantly worsening oncological outcome. Specifically we propose all cases should be imaged appropriately (usually with MRI), undergo a planned biopsy (by radiologically guided core needle biopsy) and be managed centrally in conjunction with multidisciplinary sarcoma units.

Diagnosis and treatment of extraabdominal desmoid fibromatosis

INTRODUCTION

The desmoid fibromatosis is a very rare connective tissue disease which is recognized as semimalignant. The aim of this work is to review the relevant literature and to analyze the management of our patient collective.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Surgery was performed on 7 patients with extraabdominal desmoid fibromatosis between August 1998 and May 2007. MRI examination as well as biopsy was carried out in all cases. All patients were operated on; the mean follow up was 4 years (1-7). Upon follow up, every patient has undergone clinical and MRI examination.

RESULTS

The results show that we have achieved R0 resection in 4 cases and R1 in two cases and Rx in one case. In 4 patients, no recurrence was observed after the single surgery performed in our hospital. In 2 patients a single revision surgery was performed in each case and yielded no further recurrence. In only one case, multiple surgeries (one primary and two revision surgeries) were necessary, after which no recurrence was reported.

CONCLUSION

The early diagnosis of the disease is of utmost importance to the success of the outcome. MRI examination and biopsy are mandatory. Surgery is the therapy of choice. The recurrence rate is high and is linked to the difficulty of recognition of the exact infiltrative extent of the tumour. This necessitates a close follow-up.

Local control of extra-abdominal desmoid tumors: systematic review and meta-analysis

The local control of desmoid tumors constitutes a continuing treatment dilemma due to its high recurrence rates. The purpose of this systematic review was to critically examine the current treatment of these rare tumors and to specifically evaluate the local failure and response rates of surgery, radiation and systemic therapy. We comprehensively searched the literature for relevant studies across Cinahl, Embase, Medline and the Cochrane databases. Articles were categorized as surgery, radiation, surgery + radiation and systemic therapy (including cytotoxic and non cytotoxic). Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled odd ratios (OR) for comparative studies and weighted proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported. Thirty-five articles were included in the final analysis. Weighted mean local failure rates were 22% [95% CI (16–28%)], 35% [95% CI (26–44%)] and 28% [95% CI (18–39%)] for radiation alone, surgery alone and surgery + radiation respectively. In the analysis of comparative studies, surgery and radiation in combination had lower local failure rates than radiation alone [OR 0.7 (0.4, 1.2)] and surgery alone [OR 0.7 (0.4, 1.0)]. Weighted mean stable disease rates were 91% [95% CI (85–96%)] and 52% [95% CI (38–65%)] for non cytotoxic and cytotoxic chemotherapy respectively.

The current evidence suggests that surgery alone has a consistently high rate of local recurrence in managing extra-abdominal desmoid tumors. Radiation therapy in combination with surgery improves local control rates. However, the limited data on systemic therapy for this rare tumor suggests the benefit of using both cytotoxic and non cytotoxic chemotherapy to achieve stable disease.

Extra-abdominal desmoid tumours: a review of the literature

Extra-abdominal desmoid lesions, otherwise known as aggressive fibromatosis, are slow-growing benign lesions which may be encountered in clinical practice. Recent controversies exist regarding their optimal treatment. Given their benign nature, is major debulking surgery justified, or is it worth administering chemotherapy for a disease process which unusually defies common teaching and responds to such medications? We present a literature review of this particular pathology discussing the aetiology, clinical presentation, and various current controversies in the treatment options.

Anti-oestrogen therapy in the treatment of desmoid tumours: a systematic review

AIM

The treatment of desmoid tumours (DTs) is controversial. Anti-oestrogen therapy has frequently been used, but clear information of its efficacy is lacking. In this systematic review we have undertaken a comprehensive analysis to assess the effectiveness of anti-oestrogen therapy in terms of ability to induce partial or complete regression of DTs.

METHOD

A systematic review of articles published in English between January 1983 and December 2009 was carried out according to the RECIST criteria. A literature search was performed on electronic databases including: United States National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE-PubMed), Excerpta Medica (EMBASE), Cochrane Library and Google search engine. Two-hundred articles dealing with DTs were identified but only fourty-one were were selected as appropriate for the study. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Data on 168 DTs treated with anti-oestrogen agents, alone or in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, were identified with an overall response rate of 51%. There was no difference in response according to the type of DTs or between different anti-oestrogen therapies. Combination with anti-inflammatory drugs did not improve the outcome. Toremifene was sometimes effective in cases resistant to tamoxifen. Response did not seem to be related to oestrogen receptor status.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite potential inaccuracies in the methodology, the results of the review indicate that anti-oestrogen therapy produces some effect in about one half of patients with DTs. Its indication compared with other treatments is discussed.

Extra-abdominal desmoid fibromatosis in the foot: a case study

Extra-abdominal desmoid tumors account for 0.03% of all neoplasms and rarely present in the foot. They are benign but locally aggressive, and wide local surgical excision is the treatment of choice owing to the high rate of recurrence in the lower extremities. Invasiveness into the surrounding soft-tissue structures often makes wide excision difficult without compromise of function. We describe a 34-year-old woman with a large, pedal, extra-abdominal desmoid fibroma treated by wide local surgical excision with minimal complications postoperatively and no clinical evidence of recurrence at 28 months.

A massive abdominal wall desmoid tumor occurring in a laparotomy scar: a case report

Introduction

Desmoid tumors are benign but locally aggressive tumors of mesenchymal origin which are poorly circumscribed, infiltrate the surrounding tissue, lack a true capsule and are composed of abundant collagen. History of trauma to the site of tumor origin is elicited in up to 1 in 4 cases and they most commonly develop in the anterior abdominal wall and shoulder girdle but they can arise in any skeletal muscle. The clinical behavior and natural history of desmoid tumors are unpredictable and management is difficult with many issues remaining controversial, mainly regarding early detection, the role, type and timing of surgery and the value of non-operative therapies.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 23 year old male referred from a district hospital to a national referral hospital in Kenya, after developing a huge abdominal wall desmoid tumor following laparotomy for a blunt abdominal injury fourteen months earlier. The tumor was successfully excised and the abdominal wall defect reconstructed using a vicryl/prolene mesh and a unilateral groin flap. The patient had a non-eventful recovery and was discharged through radiotherapy clinic.

Conclusion

Wide margin tumor excision alone is a reasonable option in the management of desmoid tumors.

Evaluating causes of death in familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND

Familial adenomatous polyposis is a genetic syndrome associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and different extracolonic manifestations.

GOALS

The goal of this study is to evaluate the frequency of death causes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Charts from 97 patients treated from 1977 to 2008 were reviewed. Retrieved data and family information allowed us to classify causes of death in those related to CCR to other malignancies or other causes.

RESULTS

There were analyzed data from 46 men (47.4%) and 51 women (52.6%) with an average age of 35.1 years (14 to 82). At diagnosis, 57 patients (58.7%) already had CRC-associated polyposis. There were performed 93 colectomies, one internal diversion, and one partial resection. Two patients were not operated on. Results from 19 deceased patients (19.5%) were analyzed. CRC, other tumors (desmoid tumors, lymphoma, and gastric cancer), and other causes (complication of duodenal cancer surgery, complication after ileorectal anastomosis (IRA), and coronary disease) were responsible for 12 (63.1%), four (21.1%), and three (15.8%) of all deaths, respectively. Death from CRC occurred in the context of either systemic, rectal, or pouch recurrence. Desmoid disease was the second cause of death (10.5% of all causes), leading to a fatal outcome 22% of all patients who developed DT during the study period. Upper digestive carcinomas were responsible for other two death cases.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) CRC is still the most prevalent cause of death; (2) even after curative resections, CRC can cause death through rectal or pouch malignization; (3) long-term survival was also strongly related to the development of extracolonic neoplasia, especially desmoid tumors and gastroduodenal carcinoma; (4) our results raise the need for local improvement in familiar screening and help us to define follow-up strategies and patient-information standards.

Specific mutations in the beta-catenin gene (CTNNB1) correlate with local recurrence in sporadic desmoid tumors

Desmoid fibromatosis is a rare, nonmetastatic neoplasm marked by local invasiveness and relentless recurrence. Molecular determinants of desmoid recurrence remain obscure. beta-Catenin deregulation has been commonly identified in sporadic desmoids although the incidence of CTNNB1 (the gene encoding beta-catenin) mutations is uncertain. Consequently, we evaluated the prevalence of CTNNB1 mutations in a large cohort of sporadic desmoids and examined whether mutation type was relevant to desmoid outcome. Desmoid specimens (195 tumors from 160 patients, 1985 to 2005) and control dermal scars were assembled into a clinical data-linked tissue microarray. CTNNB1 genotyping was performed on a 138-sporadic desmoid subset. Immunohistochemical scoring was performed per standard criteria and data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and other indicated methods. CTNNB1 mutations were observed in 117 of 138 (85%) of desmoids. Three discrete mutations in two codons of CTNNB1 exon 3 were identified: 41A (59%), 45F (33%), and 45P (8%, excluded from further analysis because of rarity). Five-year recurrence-free survival was significantly poorer in 45F-mutated desmoids (23%, P < 0.0001) versus either 41A (57%) or nonmutated tumors (65%). Nuclear beta-catenin expression was observed in 98% of specimens and intensity was inversely correlated with incidence of desmoid recurrence (P < 0.01). In conclusion, CTNNB1 mutations are highly common in desmoid tumors. Furthermore, patients harboring CTNNB1 (45F) mutations are at particular risk for recurrence and therefore may especially benefit from adjuvant therapeutic approaches.

[Rating of tumoral growth in non-operated primary or recurrent extra-abdominal aggressive fibromatosis]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Extra-abdominal aggressive fibromatosis (EAAF) is a benign desmoid tumor with a potentially aggressive behavior. Surgical treatment is compromised by a very high rate of recurrence, sometimes with significant morbidity. We conducted a prospective surveillance of our patients (clinical and MRI) with EAAF to search for prognostic factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cohort included 17 patients with EAAF. For nine patients, biopsy alone was performed. For eight, the tumor was a recurrence after surgical removal. Patients were seen for a clinical assessment and MRI every six months.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 42 months (range 6-114). Three patients worsened clinically with pain or functional impairment. One patient required neurosurgery to control pain (good stable outcome). MRI showed progression for two tumors (12%) but with a short follow-up since diagnosis (9 and 14 months), in one case despite medical treatment. Three tumors regressed and twelve remained stable on successive MRI. On average the tumor growth lasted ten months.

DISCUSSION

Tumor growth was never noted beyond 36 months. This notion of an interruption in tumor growth is mentioned sporadically in reports on EAAF, which have generally included recurrent tumors. To our knowledge this is the first series reporting tumors left in place a followed with modern imaging techniques. The high rate of spontaneous interruption of tumor growth must be counterbalanced with the difficult task of local treatment: the risk of recurrence is particularly high after surgery and functional sequelae can be significant when wide resection is proposed in an anatomically difficult localization. The precise role for surgery, and combined radiotherapy, remain to be determined. There are only scarce reports on general treatments. Considering these facts, we propose that surgical resection should not be considered the only solution for the treatment of EAAF. Further work is needed to define the useful contribution of simple surveillance of these benign tumors.

[Extra-abdominal desmoid tumor in a scar of donor-site of a latissimus dorsi flap: case report]

Tumefaction arising lately after latissimus dorsi flap harvest are rare and observed in 1 or 2% of the cases. These lesions are frequently related to kystic sero-hematoma and are easily and efficiently treated with surgical excision. In some rare circumstances, a tumoral evolution can mimic a kystic sero-hematoma. We will discuss one case of desmoid tumor arising from a latissimus dorsi flap donor-site scar. The subject was a 45 years old woman who had a breast reconstruction following mastectomy. A dorsal tumefaction, with a benign aspect, was observed during the follow-up period. The biopsy showed an extra-abdominal desmoid tumor. The patient was treated with a large excision of the lesion and reconstructed using two opposing local cutaneous advancing flaps. No radicalization was necessary. No sign of recurrence has been observed at 4 years follow-up.

A 10-year review of surgery for desmoid disease associated with familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND

Desmoid tumours affect 10-25 per cent of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Surgery for intra-abdominal desmoids has traditionally been used as a last resort or to manage obstructive complications. The aim was to review 10 years of desmoid surgery in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis from a single centre.

METHODS

Patients who had surgery for desmoid disease between 1994 and 2004 were identified from the Polyposis Registry database and their hospital notes reviewed.

RESULTS

Twenty patients had surgery to remove 32 desmoid tumours (16 intra-abdominal, 12 abdominal wall, four extra-abdominal). Complete clearance was achieved in 19 tumours and, of these, clinically significant recurrence occurred in eight. There was no difference in recurrence rates for site or sex. There was no operative mortality. Intra-abdominal desmoid resection was associated with a mean resection of 45.55 (range 10-200) cm of small bowel. One patient required long-term parenteral feeding. Median follow-up was 5 (range 0.6-10) years. During this period, one patient died (metastatic duodenal cancer); there was no mortality from desmoid disease.

CONCLUSION

Surgery for intra-abdominal desmoids in selected patients is less hazardous than previously reported. Surgery for abdominal wall and extra-abdominal tumours is safe. However, disease recurrence remains a major problem.

Wide resection of the upper right hemithorax combined with amputation of the right arm for a recurrent desmoid tumor

A 66-year-old woman had a recurrent desmoid tumor in the right thoracic apex. The tumor infiltrated the brachial plexus and eventually rendered the upper right extremity functionless. The tumor was removed by aggressive wide resection of the right upper hemithorax with simultaneous amputation of the functionless right arm. Reconstruction of the chest wall was accomplished, utilizing the soft tissues of the remnant arm as a pedicled flap to cover the full-thickness defect. Aggressive wide resection of the chest wall with limb amputation is technically challenging but unavoidable in some cases of recurrent desmoid tumor.

Current trends in the management of extra-abdominal desmoid tumours

Extra-abdominal desmoid tumours are slow-growing, histologically benign tumours of fibroblastic origin with variable biologic behaviour. They are locally aggressive and invasive to surrounding anatomic structures. Magnetic resonance imaging is the modality of choice for the diagnosis and the evaluation of the tumours. Current management of desmoids involves a multidisciplinary approach. Wide margin surgical resection remains the main treatment modality for local control of the tumour. Amputation should not be the initial treatment, and function-preserving procedures should be the primary treatment goal. Adjuvant radiation therapy is recommended both for primary and recurrent lesions. Chemotherapy may be used for recurrent or unresectable disease. Overall local recurrence rates vary and depend on patient's age, tumour location and margins at resection.

Desmoid tumours of the extremities and trunk: a review of the literature

Desmoid tumours are rare neoplasms that display local aggressiveness but no propensity to metastasise. They are mainly localized in the abdominal wall, the bowel, and the mesentery or in extra-abdominal sites such as the trunk and the extremities. Surgical resection is the main treatment modality in extremities and trunk, with the optional combination of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. However, these tumours have a high propensity for recurrent growth.

Intracranial aggressive fibromatosis presenting as panhypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus

Aggressive fibromatosis (AF) is a rare, locally aggressive, proliferative fibroblastic lesion affecting musculoaponeurotic structures, most often, of the limbs and trunk. Intracranial AF is extremely rare and requires aggressive treatment to prevent recurrence. We present a case of a 34 year-old male with AF involving intracranial structures causing panhypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus. Patient was admitted to hospital because of polyuria, polydipsia, and loss of libido, impotence, hearing loss, and gait disturbance. On cranial magnetic resonance imaging, the lesion extended through the sphenoid sinus into the both pterygoid recesses, destroying the left lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus and invading the retroorbital area. There was also a distinct lesion in the hypothalamic area. The tumor was markedly isointense on both T2- and T1-weighted images relative to gray matter, and enhanced strongly after administration of gadolinium. The patient underwent partial resection of the lesion via a transcranial approach. The pathological examination of the mass was reported as AF. No other sites were found to be involved by thorax and abdominal tomography. Hormonal assessment of hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction revealed panhypopituitarism with central diabetes insipidus. Replacement therapy was instituted. In this case, standard treatment of wide-field surgical resection was impossible. On the basis of reports that radiotherapy is an effective treatment for this kind of tumor, we administered radiation to the affected area, since chemotherapy and hormonal treatment of non-resectable tumors are not satisfactory. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of AF presenting as panhypopituitarism with central diabetes insipidus.