Aggressive fibrous tissue lesions in the upper extremity: treatment and results

The oncologic and functional results of treatment of aggressive fibromatosis were reviewed in 16 patients. Five had undergone previous resections. Complete surgical excision, the recommended primary treatment modality for aggressive fibromatosis tissue lesions, could only be performed in five patients. Radiation was administered in 13 patients and mainly used when the resection margins were positive. One patient required reoperation for recurrence. Complete detailed follow-up data were available in 15 patients. Functional analysis revealed 11 good-excellent, 2 fair, and 2 poor results using the Enneking classification. Local control was achieved with a combination of surgery and radiation, maintaining good-excellent function in most patients. The local nature of this tumor can be controlled with surgery and radiation while preserving function in the upper extremity.