Desmoid fibromatosis post-cervical spine surgical intervention

Desmoid tumours are rare benign tumours that show locally aggressive and invasive features leading to potential complications. They can be quite challenging for the treating surgeon if they occur adjacent to neurovascular structures. The aetiology of these tumours is still unclear, but the incidence is higher in females and in patients with a history of trauma or surgical procedures, raising the possibility of genetic and hormonal factors as well as post-traumatic or post-operative inflammatory changes promoting the formation of desmoid fibromatosis. We report a case of a 34-year-old Asian female who presented to our hospital with a history of difficulty in swallowing due to an enlarging lump on the left side of her neck. Patient had a past medical history of previous cervical spinal disc surgery due to a herniated disc. Diagnostic imaging showed a large soft tissue mass centred between the left common carotid artery and the cervical vertebrae displacing the trachea and oesophagus to the right side. A biopsy was obtained, and histopathological examination was suggestive of a desmoid tumour. The patient underwent surgical resection of the tumour but returned later with recurrence and had to undergo the surgery again to achieve full cure.