Desmoid tumor arising from omohyoid muscle: The first report for unusual complication after transaxillary robotic thyroidectomy

Background Transaxillary robotic (TAR) thyroidectomy has been performed for better aesthetic results by many surgeons. In this report, we describe a rare case of a desmoid tumor developed after TAR thyroidectomy, which is speculated to be a late-term complication. Methods and Results A 61-year-old woman with a history of papillary microcarcinoma had experienced a large left neck mass that had grown over 2 years. The patient underwent TAR thyroidectomy (right lobectomy and isthmectomy) via the right axilla almost 2.5 years previously. Physical examination revealed a 6-cm, firm mass fixed to the left anterior neck. The mass was fixed to the omohyoid muscle. The 5.9- x 4.7- x 4.5-cm tumor with the surrounding muscles was excised in an en bloc fashion. Pathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of a desmoid tumor. Conclusion This case suggests that desmoid tumors could develop late after TAR thyroidectomy. Thus, careful observation of the surgical wound may be necessary after TAR thyroidectomy. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: E48-E51, 2014