Mesenteric fibromatosis: cytologic, histologic, and ultrastructural findings in a case

The cytologic findings in a case of mesenteric fibromatosis initially suggested the diagnosis of a benign spindle-cell soft-tissue tumor. Subsequent histology and electron microscopy were performed on the resected mass, and the definitive diagnosis was established. The patient had a history of previous abdominal surgery, but no features of Gardner's syndrome. The difficulties associated with the diagnosis of mesenteric fibromatosis and the cytologic diagnosis of benign and spindle-cell soft-tissue tumors and low-grade sarcomas in general are discussed.