Extra-abdominal desmoid tumors. Case report and literature review

Musculoaponeurotic fibromatosis or desmoid tumors are rare. We report the case of a 57 year old woman with a slowly growing tumor behind the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which was completely removed. Histological examination confirmed the clinical suspicion of a desmoid tumor. Desmoid tumors are aggressive, locally infiltrating, non-metastasizing tumors with a high local recurrence. Genetic, endocrine and physical factors have been implicated as causative agents. The diagnosis is made histologically, reactive fibromatosis and fibrosarcoma must be eliminated in differential diagnosis. By the combination of different radiographic techniques, it is possible to describe the tumors and differentiate between vessels, nerves and bones. The therapy of the choice is the surgical resection. Adjuvant therapy, such as x-ray treatment, chemo- and hormone therapy, are indicated when the tumor is inoperable or too extensive for surgery.