Elastofibroma dorsi--differential diagnosis in chest wall tumours

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pathology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Elastofibromas are benign soft tissue tumors often found in the infrascapular region, particularly in the elderly.
• Repetitive microtrauma from friction is a suspected cause of elastofibroma dorsi development.
• These tumors can occur with a prevalence of up to 24% in older populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze clinical findings, outcomes, and recurrence rates of elastofibroma dorsi after surgical resection.
• To evaluate the functional results and long-term course of patients treated for this condition.
• To contribute to the differential diagnosis of soft tissue tumors in the infrascapular area.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of seven patients with elastofibroma dorsi.
• Data collection through clinical examination, general practitioner consultations, and chart reviews.
• Follow-up duration averaged 53 months, ranging from 4 months to 9 years.

Main Results:

• Patients presented with infrascapular swelling or snapping scapula; three cases were painful.
• Tumor sizes ranged from 3 to 13 cm, with characteristic macroscopic and microscopic features of fibroelastic tissue.
• Postoperative seroma occurred in most patients, but no functional deficits or relapses were reported at follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Elastofibroma dorsi should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infrascapular soft tissue tumors.
• Given its benign nature, surgical resection is advised primarily for symptomatic individuals.
• The study found no recurrences, supporting conservative management for asymptomatic cases.