Desmoid tumor of the anterolateral abdominal wall: A rare case report

Desmoid tumors of the abdominal wall are rare fibroblastic proliferative tissue, included in the group of soft tissue tumors, not metastasizing but locally aggressive as an infiltrating tumor and a source of recurrence.

This case report describes a rare case of desmoid tumor of the anterolateral abdominal wall presented with a large mass of the left flank and iliac fossa. The diagnostic was suspected radiologically following an abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An exploratory laparotomy found a large mass infiltrating the left rectus abdominis muscle, a part of the flat left abdominal muscles, and the left iliac crest. The patient underwent a total resection of the mass involving the left rectus muscle with autoplasty by a pedicled flap of the left LATA fascia with the placement of a bifacial mesh.Histologic analysis of the operatory specimen confirmed the diagnosis of a desmoid tumor of the abdominal wall.The patient has been discharged from the hospital on the fifth day post-operatory with an uneventful recovery; she was in good health after a one-year follow-up.

Desmoid tumors of the abdomen are very rare. Although this tumor is histologically benign, it has the potential of invading vital structures and has a high rate of local recurrence.Histology staining confirms the diagnosis, surgery is the gold standard in the management of this pathology.

We highlight the importance of radical surgical excision to avoid desmoid tumor complications and to minimize the recurrence risk.