Intrathoracic desmoid tumor with invasion of the great vessels

A desmoid tumor of the mediastinum was diagnosed and treated in a 35-year-old white male who presented with a right supraclavicular mass. He was treated with resection, which involved several vascular structures, requiring multiple vascular reconstructions followed by post-operative radiotherapy. The authors concluded that, when located in the mediastinum, the invasive character of such tumors and its tendency to recur may pose a considerable surgical challenge, requiring careful pre-operative planning and long term post-operative follow -up. The role of radiation therapy is limited to the control of local recurrences.