Desmoid tumors and mesenteric fibromatosis in Gardner's syndrome: report of kindred 109

Desmoid Tumor Presenting as a Typical Cervical Dumbbell Tumor:A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Dumbbell-shaped tumor is a type of the inner and outer cervical spinal canal tumor, and most of them are neurogenic tumors. Desmoid tumor is a rare tumor, and no case of them involving intervertebral foramen formed dumbbell-shaped in cervical spine have been reported before in English literature. Here we report a case of desmoid tumor arising in the cervical spine which is presented as typical dumbbell-shaped tumor.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 47-year-old female was admitted to our department with a mass in her left neck. The tumor was initially thought to be a neurogenic cervical dumbbell tumor based on physical and radiological examination. Postoperative HE and immunohistochemical staining verified the diagnosis of a cervical dumbbell desmoid tumor, which had never been reported before. We report our experience and reviewed literature about desmoid tumor to share our experience and explore proper treatment option of such lesion.

CONCLUSION

Desmoid tumors in the head and neck may present as cervical dumbbell-shaped tumors. Before the treatment plan was undertaken, thorough examinations including surgical pathology were necessary.

CTNNB1 Mutations and Estrogen Receptor Expression in Neuromuscular Choristoma and Its Associated Fibromatosis

Neuromuscular choristoma (NMC) is a very rare, developmental malformation characterized by the endoneurial intercalation of mature muscle fibers among peripheral nerve fibers. NMC typically arises in the major proximal peripheral nerves, most commonly the sciatic nerve, and may involve the lumbosacral and brachial plexus. Patients present clinically with progressive neuropathy or plexopathy. NMC is strongly associated with development of a fibromatosis, histologically identical to conventional desmoid-type fibromatosis (NMC-fibromatosis). The development of NMC-fibromatosis is often precipitated by iatrogenic trauma (ie, biopsy). Desmoid-type fibromatosis is characterized by CTNNB1 exon 3 mutations, which result in aberrant nuclear β-catenin localization and dysregulated canonical Wnt signaling. In contrast, the pathogenesis of NMC and NMC-fibromatosis is unknown. Desmoid-type fibromatosis expresses estrogen receptors (ER), specifically the ER-beta isoform (ERβ), and endocrine therapies may be used in surgically unresectable cases. In contrast, the ER expression profile of NMC-fibromatosis is unknown. We evaluated a series of NMC and NMC-fibromatosis for CTNNB1 mutations, β-catenin expression, and ER isoform expression. Five NMCs occurred in 2 female and 3 male patients (median age: 14 y, range <1 to 42 y), as masses involving the sciatic nerve (N=4) or brachial plexus (N=1). Four (of 5) NMCs had CTNNB1 mutations: 3 c.134 C>T (p.S45F) and 1 c.121 A>G (p.T41A). Four patients subsequently developed NMC-fibromatosis, and all 4 cases contained CTNNB1 mutations, including 1 p.T41A and 3 p.S45F mutations. In 3 patients, the NMC and NMC-fibromatosis had identical CTNNB1 mutations. Only 1 NMC had no detectable CTNNB1 mutation; however, the patient's subsequent NMC-fibromatosis had a CTNNB1 p.T41A mutation. All NMC and NMC-fibromatosis showed aberrant nuclear localization of β-catenin, nuclear ERβ expression, and no ERα expression. The presence of CTNNB1 mutations both in NMC and NMC-fibromatosis may be a shared molecular genetic abnormality underlying their pathogenesis.

Fibromatosis in vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap imitating tumor recurrence after surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer: case report

Background

Abdominoperineal excision is performed in patients with locally advanced, low rectal carcinoma. Reconstruction of the dorsal vagina and perineum using the vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap following extensive surgery results in favorable surgical outcome and quality of life. However, the rectus abdominis muscle, as part of the anterior abdominal wall, may develop fibrous lesions also as a transplant.

Case presentation

A 39-year-old female patient with low rectal cancer and extensive colorectal polyposis was treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by colectomy and abdominoperineal excision with resection of the dorsal vaginal wall and subsequent reconstruction of the perineum using the vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. At the 6-month follow-up, a suspected 2 × 2 cm tumor recurrence was detected in the transposed tissue and was subsequently surgically removed. Histologic examination concluded with fibromatosis. Genetic testing revealed a known disease-causing mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli gene, confirming the diagnosis of familial adenomatous polyposis.

Conclusions

Fibromatosis may affect the anterior abdominal wall, that is the rectus abdominis muscle, at the primary site or may develop in the muscle after its transposition into the perineum at pelvic reconstruction. Fibromatosis in the muscle flap after pelvic reconstruction may present a difficult diagnostic challenge for the multidisciplinary team.

The medico-legal observation of an aggressive urogenital fibromatosis with isolated development not related to any traumatic event

Desmoid tumor is a fibroproliferative neoplasm with an intermediate malignancy and it can be localized in every bodily district: some locations are considered exceptional, like the urogenital localization. The Author point out a rare case of giant idiopathic scrotal fibromatosis that was found during an autopsy. A widower, that lived alone in poor hygienic conditions, was found dead in his house. The Judicial Authority ordered the autopsy, that was performed two days later at the Medico-Legal Section of Milan University. External examinations revealed only the considerable dimension of the scrotum (cm 24 × 41). The cause of death was fixed in a cardiac tamponade due to a natural heart laceration localized in correspondence of a transmural infarction. The toxicological exam resulted negative, while the histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis qualify the scrotal mass as a desmoids tumor. Due to the absence of predisposing conditions and of fibroproliferative infiltration in bladder and retroperitoneal space, the neoplasm was configured as an idiopathic desmoid tumor. The presented case gives the reason for the discussion concerning medico-legal aspects that are typical of rare neoplasms.

A Sporadic Desmoid Tumor: an Exceptional Pancreatic Cystic-Solid Mass

Desmoid tumors are locally aggressive and non-metastatic neoplasms with a high rate of recurrence. Desmoid tumors of the pancreas are, however, very rare, and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. This paper reports an anecdotal case of a diffuse pancreatic desmoid tumor with the involvement of the pancreatic head, body, and-partially-tail. The patient underwent the Whipple procedure and subtotal pancreatectomy. Histopathological assessment showed that the tissues were partly positive for smooth muscle actin, but not for S100 or PanCK. The Ki67 index of the cells was only 1 %. Unfortunately, the patient died on the 10th postoperative day due to massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Mesenteric desmoid-type fibromatosis causing secondary hypertension in a young woman

This report describes an 18-year-old woman presenting with abdominal distension, left flank pain, and hypertension. She had a huge abdominal mass, diagnosed as a mesenteric desmoid-type fibromatosis, causing compression of the left external iliac vessels and ureter, as well as elevated renin concentration and hypertension. After surgical removal of the mass, all signs improved including hypertension.

Sporadic giant mesenteric fibromatosis

Mesenteric fibromatosis is an uncommon tumour which is locally aggressive without any metastatic potential and can occur as a sporadic event or in association with familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome. Giant mesenteric fibromatosis is very rare and is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This is a case report of a rare presentation of deep fibromatosis as a sporadic giant intrabdominal mesenteric tumour in a 29 year old male managed by surgical excision and definitive diagnosis made on the basis of immunohistochemical findings.

Fibroblastic and myofibroblastic tumors in children and adolescents

Fibroblastic and myofibroblastic tumors in children and adolescents are a relatively common group of soft tissue proliferations that range from reactive to hamartomatous to neoplastic, with a full spectrum of benign, intermediate, and malignant neoplasms. These lesions are diagnostically challenging because of morphologic and immunohistochemical overlap, despite significant clinical, genetic, and prognostic differences. The fibromatoses are a major subgroup, and all types of fibromatoses can occur in the 1st 2 decades of life. Intermediate and malignant fibroblastic-myofibroblastic tumors are an important group that includes variants of fibrosarcoma and other tumors with recurrent cytogenetic or molecular genetic abnormalities and low metastatic potential. Pathologic examination is enhanced by adjunct techniques, such as immunohistochemistry, cytogenetics, and molecular genetics, although morphology provides the ultimate criteria for a specific diagnosis. This article reviews the clinicopathologic features of fibroblastic and myofibroblastic tumors with an emphasis on the unique aspects of these neoplasms in children and adolescents, the use of diagnostic adjuncts, and differential diagnoses.

An unusual case of desmoid tumour presenting as haemorrhagic shock

We report the case of a 22-year-old patient who presented to the emergency department with epigastric pain and vomiting. Haematological studies showed a rapid decrease in haemoglobin levels from 13.6 g/dl to 4.9 g/dl. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed the presence of fluid around the spleen and the patient was immediately referred for surgery. An intra-abdominal desmoid tumour presenting as a hemorrhagic shock has not previously been described. Given the relatively benign course of the disease and the young age at presentation, this clinical entity should not be overlooked as it has the potential to invade vessels and therefore be fatal.

Desmoid tumor in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

CONTEXT

Desmoid tumors constitute one of the most important extraintestinal manifestations of familial adenomatous polyposis. The development of desmoids is responsible for increasing morbidity and mortality rates in cases of familial adenomatous polyposis.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the occurrence of desmoid tumors in familial adenomatous polyposis cases following prophylactic colectomy and to present patient outcome.

METHODS

Between 1984 and 2008, 68 patients underwent colectomy for familial adenomatous polyposis at the School of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, University of Campinas, SP, Brazil. Desmoid tumors were found in nine (13.2%) of these patients, who were studied retrospectively by consulting their medical charts with respect to clinical and surgical data.

RESULTS

Of nine patients, seven (77.8%) were submitted to laparotomy for tumor resection. Median age at the time of surgery was 33.9 years (range 22-51 years). Desmoid tumors were found in the abdominal wall in 3/9 cases (33.3%) and in an intra-abdominal site in the remaining six cases (66.7%). Median time elapsed between ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and diagnosis of desmoid tumor was 37.5 months (range 14-60 months), while the median time between colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and diagnosis was 63.7 months (range 25-116 months). In 6/9 (66.7%) patients with desmoid tumors, the disease was either under control or there was no evidence of tumor recurrence at a follow-up visit made a mean of 63.1 months later (range 12-240 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Desmoid tumors were found in 13.2% of cases of familial adenomatous polyposis following colectomy; therefore, familial adenomatous polyposis patients should be followed-up and surveillance should include abdominal examination to detect signs and symptoms. Treatment options include surgery and clinical management with antiestrogens, antiinflammatory drugs or chemotherapy.

Aggressive Fibromatosis of the Larynx: Case Report and Brief Review

Aggressive fibromatosis is a rare, benign, fibroblastic neoplasm, characterized by local invasion and a relatively high rate of recurrence. Here a case of laryngeal aggressive fibromatosis in a 47-year old man is reported. The patient presented with worsening dyspnoea and hoarseness and was hospitalized for treatment with partial laryngectomy. Final pathological evaluation of the tumour confirmed a diagnosis of aggressive fibromatosis. The patient has remained disease-free without further treatment for 5 years. This study demonstrated that aggressive fibromatosis may occur around the larynx and can be managed by partial laryngectomy alone. It is, therefore, important to include this rare disease entity in the routine differential diagnosis of laryngeal masses.

Sporadic, nontrauma-related, desmoid tumor of the pancreas: a rare disease-case report and literature review

Desmoid tumors (DTs) are neoplasms of fibroblastic origin characterized by lack of a capsule. They are nonmetastatic and locally aggressive. Intraabdominal DTs are often observed in familial adenomatous polyposis and Gardner syndrome or subsequent to localized traumatic injury. Sporadic forms are defined as nontrauma- or nongenetic-related DTs. Isolated, sporadic pancreatic DTs have been considered anecdotal, with only 9 cases described in the literature. We report the case of a 68-year-old man with a case of sporadic cystic DT localized to the pancreatic tail. The tumor was discovered incidentally during computerized tomography performed for an unrelated condition. The patient was asymptomatic; however, biopsy was performed on the clinical suspicion of cystic cancer of the pancreas. Pathology analysis showed fibroblastic proliferation, and the diagnosis of DT was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining for beta-catenin. The patient underwent resection with no further treatment and remain disease-free 60 months after surgery.

Classification and pathology

Soft tissue tumors are a heterogeneous group of benign and malignant processes. Some are assumed to be reactive; others are clearly neoplastic. Because of their rarity, they frequently pose diagnostic problems for surgical pathologists. Accurate diagnosis of these tumors is enhanced by knowledge of the clinical features of the given lesions and, at times, by application of immunohistochemical and molecular techniques. In this article the lesions are described essentially in accordance with the World Health Organization classification.

Deep fibromatosis (desmoid tumor): cytopathologic characteristics, clinicoradiologic features, and immunohistochemical findings on fine-needle aspiration

BACKGROUND

Deep fibromatosis or desmoid tumor (DF/DT) is a low-grade, soft tissue lesion that is notable for its infiltration and local recurrence and its inability to metastasize. Although the histologic features of DF/DT are well described, there is a paucity of literature regarding cytologic findings.

METHODS

The surgical pathology files of The Johns Hopkins Hospital revealed 17 patients with a diagnosis of DF/DT with prior cytology in a 16-year period (1989-2005). The clinicoradiologic findings were noted, and the fine-needle aspiration (FNA) slides were available for review in 8 patients. In patients with archived tissue, an immunohistochemical panel was performed that included beta-catenin, desmin, CD-34, and c-kit.

RESULTS

There was a wide age range and a wide range of anatomic distribution for DF/DT in this series. Eleven patients (65%) had a prior history of surgery at or near the site of DF/DT. Radiologically, 5 of 11 patients (45%) who had in-house studies available and no history of DF/DT were diagnosed as suspicious for malignancy. Predominantly bland spindled cells with long, fusiform nuclei and metachromatic matrix material were present in most tumors. The tumor cells were present both singly and as fragments embedded in the matrix. Nine patients had paraffin-embedded tissue samples available for immunohistochemical staining. Six of those samples demonstrated nuclear beta-catenin reactivity, and all 9 samples were negative for desmin, CD-34, and c-kit.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results indicated that clinical history in patients with suspected DF/DT is important. Because of the infiltrative nature of DF/DT, the radiographic impression often is over-called as suspicious for malignancy. The cytomorphology is nonspecific, often resulting in descriptive diagnoses. Immunohistochemical stains increase the yield of FNA.

Gardner Fibroma: A Clinicopathologic and Immunohistochemical Analysis of 45 Patients With 57 Fibromas

Gardner fibroma (GAF) is a benign soft tissue lesion with a predilection for childhood and adolescence and an association with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and desmoid type fibromatosis (desmoid). We report 45 patients with GAF with clinicopathologic correlation and immunohistochemical analysis for beta-catenin and related proteins. Forty-five patients with 57 GAFs were identified from surgical pathology and consultation files. Immunohistochemistry for beta-catenin, cyclin-D1, and C-myc was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues using standard techniques in 25 GAFs from 24 patients. Information about family history, intestinal polyps, colon cancer, and soft tissue tumors was available in 23 patients. Sixty-nine percent had known FAP or adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), 22% had no history of familial polyps or soft tissue tumors, and 13% had an individual or family history of soft tissue masses and/or desmoids, with follow-up periods of 6 months to 26 years (median 3 y, mean 5 y). The age range at initial diagnosis was 2 months to 36 years. Seventy-eight percent were diagnosed in the first decade, 15% in the second decade, and 7% in the third decade. Eight patients (18%) had documented desmoids concurrently or later; 4 of these had FAP and 1 had familial desmoids. Sites of GAF included the back and paraspinal region in 61%, the head and neck in 14%, the extremities in 14%, and the chest and abdomen in 11%. All displayed a bland hypocellular proliferation of haphazardly arranged coarse collagen fibers with a bland hypocellular proliferation of inconspicuous spindle cells, small blood vessels, and a sparse mast cell infiltrate. Immunohistochemically, 64% showed nuclear reactivity for beta-catenin (9 patients with known APC, 5 without definite information about FAP). One hundred percent showed nuclear reactivity for both cyclin-D1 and C-myc. beta-catenin reactivity had no correlation with age, site, or recurrence. Two beta-catenin-negative GAFs were from FAP patients. In conclusion, GAF has a predilection for childhood and early adulthood, a strong association with FAP/APC, an association with concurrent or subsequent development of desmoids, and overexpression of beta-catenin and other proteins in the APC and Wnt pathways. The proportion of sporadic GAFs that have APC mutation remains to be determined.

Mesenteric desmoid tumors in Singapore familial adenomatous polyposis patients: clinical course and genetic profile in a predominantly Chinese population

PURPOSE

This study examined the mutational profile of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene in relation to the development of desmoid tumors in familial adenomatous polyposis patients from a predominantly Chinese population.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of all patients with familial adenomatous polyposis coli from the Singapore Polyposis Registry. Identification of specific adenomatous polyposis coli gene mutation was performed and clinical course of associated desmoid disease obtained from case records and a computerized database.

RESULTS

Two hundred five patients from 75 families afflicted with familial adenomatous polyposis coli were reviewed, with gene mutations identified in 107 patients. Of these, 23 (11.2 percent) developed desmoids. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.3 and the ethnic distribution was Chinese (n=17) and Malay (n=6). Of the 92 patients with mutations 5' to codon 1444, 11 patients (12 percent) developed desmoids compared with 6 of 15 (40 percent) patients with adenomatous polyposis coli gene mutations 3' to codon 1444 (P<0.01). The clinical course of desmoid tumors can be divided into stable (n=11), variable (n=3), progressive (n=6), and aggressive growth (n=3). Only 3 (13 percent) patients with aggressive tumor growth required chemotherapy. There was no correlation between the site of mutation and the clinical progression of the desmoids. Seventy-four percent of these desmoids (17/23) developed at a mean interval of 2.98 years after restorative proctocolectomy, while only 30 percent (7/23) were diagnosed preoperatively or discovered during the initial surgery. The most common complications related to the mesenteric desmoids were intestinal obstruction (21.7 percent), ureteric obstruction (17.4 percent), and encasement of superior mesenteric vessels (13 percent).

CONCLUSION

The clinical course of desmoids in an individual familial adenomatous polyposis patient remains unpredictable and no reliable genetic marker is available for prognostication in desmoid disease.

Spontaneous isolated mesenteric fibromatosis: sonographic and computed tomographic findings with pathologic correlation

Eight cases of spontaneous isolated mesenteric fibromatosis (SIMF) were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical presentations included palpable abdominal mass (n = 6), abdominal pain (n = 4), gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 2) and acute abdomen (n = 1). On sonography and computed tomography (CT), eight SIMFs (size range 3 to 24 cm, mean 14.8 cm) were categorized into four morphologic patterns: well-defined inhomogeneous, well-defined homogeneous, well-defined cystic or infiltrative mesenteric mass patterns. Well-defined inhomogeneous SIMF (n = 3) was correlated with the histopathologic finding of bundles of fibroblasts with unevenly intermingled hyaline and/or myxoid degeneration areas, whereas well-defined homogeneous SIMF (n = 2) showed scarce degenerative changes. Well-defined cystic SIMF (n = 2) were ascribed to the presence of large areas of myxoid and cystic degenerations. One SIMF presented as an infiltrative mesenteric mass and the patient died 10 months after diagnosis. Both cases of cystic SIMFs showed tumor recurrences and one patient died after 84 months. The other five patients were cured by radical tumor resection. In summary, sonography, similar to CT, is also useful for evaluating SIMF with protean morphologic features, ascribing to the underlying histopathologic changes with varied degrees of hyaline, myxoid or cystic degenerations.

Mesenteric desmoid tumor of the interposed jejunal pouch after total gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Desmoid tumor is a rare entity, and most desmoid tumors are located in abdominal wall or extra-abdominal tissues. Occurrence of desmoid tumor in mesentry is extremely rare.

CASE PRESENTATION

we report a mesenteric desmoid tumor in a 73-years-old woman who had undergone total gastrectomy reconstructed with jejunal pouch interposition for gastric carcinoma. After 1 year, a tumor was originating from mesentery of the interposed jejunal pouch was identified, and the patient underwent resection of the large mass which was found to invade pancreas. Histological examination revealed desmoid tumor.

CONCLUSION

Desmoid tumor is rare, and it was difficult for the differential diagnosis of desmoid tumor or recurrent tumor.

Desmoid Tumors – a Characterization of Patients Seen at Mayo Clinic 1976–1999

Desmoid tumors occur with high frequency in individuals with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). Because of this, individuals developing desmoid tumors may be referred for genetic risk assessment. Determining whether a person has a FAP-related desmoid tumor or a sporadic desmoid can be challenging. We sought to characterize the patients who were seen at our institution to determine if there were clinical differences in presentation between FAP-associated and sporadic desmoid tumors. We searched the Mayo Clinic-modified H-ICDA (Hospital adaptation of the International Classification of Diseases) diagnostic codes for all diagnoses of desmoid tumors in patients seen between 1976 and 1999. Charts were reviewed to determine accuracy of diagnosis, age when seen, gender, site of tumor, and presence of polyposis. A total of 454 patients (174 males and 280 females) met the search criterion. Of the 447 patients on whom all data was obtained, 70 had FAP and 377 had no evidence of FAP. The female/male ratio for FAP cases was 1.12 compared to female/male ratio of 1.71 for non-FAP cases. (P=0.17). Location of development of desmoid tumors was correlated with but not specific for distinguishing FAP from non-FAP desmoids. Abdominal desmoids comprised the majority of FAP desmoids and extra-abdominal desmoids comprised the majority of non-FAP desmoids (P<0.001) but age was not a discriminating factor. Using Bayesian analysis, we demonstrate how these findings can assist genetic professionals in their evaluation of patients with desmoid tumors by providing prior probabilities of FAP based upon clinical presentation.

Proliférations fibroblastiques et myofibroblastiques de l’enfance et de l’adolescence

Fibroblastic-myofibroblastic proliferations of childhood and adolescents form a clinical and morphologic spectrum from benign reactive processes and pseudosarcomas, to fibromatoses, to various types of sarcoma. The diagnosis is challenging because of clinical and morphologic similarities, lack of specific immunohistochemical markers for different types of fibroblastic-myofibroblastic tumors, and limited molecular genetic information. Careful attention to clinical, macroscopic, and histopathologic features permits classification in most cases. This review focuses on the pathologic features of fibroblastic-myofibroblastic tumors with a predilection for children and adolescents.

Comprehensive genetic and endoscopic evaluation may be necessary to distinguish sporadic versus familial adenomatous polyposis–associated abdominal desmoid tumors

BACKGROUND

There are limited data regarding how many patients with desmoid tumors actually represent cases with underlying familial adenomatous polyposis.

METHODS

A proband presenting with desmoid tumors and several of the family members underwent a detailed family history, genetic (adenomatous polyposis coli [APC] gene sequencing), and upper and lower endoscopic evaluation.

RESULTS

The proband's initial diagnosis was of a sporadic desmoid tumor. Colonoscopy was entirely normal. However, on subsequent esophagogastroduodenoscopy, several gastric polyps were found. The proband's mother subsequently underwent colonoscopy and was found to have multiple colon adenomas. On genetic analysis, a deletion of "T" was identified at codon 2645 of the APC gene in the proband. The proband's mother had a normal APC protein truncation test result. However, on full gene sequencing, the mother was found to harbor the same APC gene mutation.

CONCLUSION

A detailed family history and endoscopic and genetic evaluations for patients with desmoid tumors are vital because they may be the sentinel presentation of familial adenomatous polyposis. If confirmed in larger studies, APC full gene sequencing and upper and lower gastrointestinal tract evaluation may need to be part of standard evaluation of patients with abdominal desmoid tumors.

High-dose tamoxifen and sulindac as first-line treatment for desmoid tumors

BACKGROUND

Desmoid tumors are mesenchymal nonmetastasizing neoplasms. Although rare in the general population, they are a common extracolonic manifestation of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Because of high tumor recurrence rates, surgery has been less than satisfactory in the treatment of desmoid tumors. In the current study, high doses of tamoxifen in combination with sulindac were used to treat severe desmoid tumors to avoid surgery.

METHODS

Since 1992, 25 patients at Heinrich Heine University (Dusseldorf, Germany) were treated with a combination of tamoxifen and sulindac. In the current study, 17 patients with FAP-associated and 8 patients with sporadic desmoid tumors received 120 mg of tamoxifen and 300 mg of sulindac daily. Every 6 months, the protracted course of desmoid growth was measured by computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging scans. Tumor responses were characterized as progressive disease, stable disease (SD), partial regression (PR), and complete regression (CR).

RESULTS

Of the group of patients who received tamoxifen and sulindac as a primary treatment, all three patients with sporadic desmoid tumors demonstrated cessation of growth, and 10 of the 13 patients with FAP-associated tumors achieved either a PR or CR. In the sporadic desmoid tumor group, eight of nine patients developed tumor recurrences after undergoing surgery at other institutions. Of these, two patients had SD and two patients had a PR to CR.

CONCLUSIONS

The patients with desmoid tumors who were managed conservatively with high-dose tamoxifen and sulindac had the best outcome. Desmoid tumor recurrence after surgery was high and in the FAP-associated tumor group, therapy with tamoxifen and sulindac was found to be less successful. Based on this experience, the authors recommended high-dose tamoxifen and sulindac as the primary treatment for patients with FAP-associated desmoid tumors. However, to our knowledge, the best approach after surgical intervention for patients with sporadic desmoid tumors remains to be determined.

Extraabdominal desmoid tumor in a surgical scar of a patient with Sprengel's deformity

Patients with an extraabdominal desmoid tumor have multiple minor bone abnormalities. The authors describe a rare case of an extraabdominal desmoid tumor that developed in a scar 2 years after surgery for Sprengel's deformity of the right shoulder in an 8-year-old girl. The association between the tumor and Sprengel's deformity has never been reported previously. Antecedent surgical trauma might play a role in the development of this tumor.

Gastrointestinal polyposis in childhood: clinicopathologic and genetic features

Gastrointestinal polyps and certain extraintestinal lesions in children may herald a hereditary polyposis syndrome, with an increased risk of neoplasia and other health problems for both children and their relatives. The availability of molecular/genetic screening tests has increased early diagnosis of younger members of known polyposis families. This article reviews the gross and microscopic features of polyposis syndromes of childhood and summarizes the molecular/genetic advances in this field. Clinical management is also briefly discussed.

Pathologic and molecular aspects of soft tissue sarcomas

This article retains the conventional approach to the classification of soft tissue sarcomas, dividing them into several major histogenetic categories based on their overall microscopic appearance, tissue differentiation pattern, and biologic potential. The author advocates a multimodal approach, in which four distinctive data sets--clinical, radiographic, microscopic, and, in some cases, molecular--are considered to establish the diagnosis and treatment plan. Such step-wise analysis is more likely to lead to consistency and accuracy as compared with an intuitive approach based on fragmentary data. The author describes individual lesions of soft tissue as clinicopathologic entities and believes that they can be more accurately diagnosed and appropriately treated with the help of data generated by a multidisciplinary team. In addition, this article emphasizes the need to use emerging molecular techniques that can provide important clues for both diagnosis and prognosis.

The pharmacological treatment of aggressive fibromatosis: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Despite the use of surgery and radiotherapy, 20-35% of patients with aggressive fibromatosis (AF) will have local recurrence. The purpose of this review was to collect and analyze all available information regarding the role of non-cytotoxic and cytotoxic chemotherapy in AF that has been accumulated over the past few decades.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A systematic review of published clinical trials, studies and case series was carried out using the Medline Express Databases and the Cochrane Collaboration Database from 1970 to October 2000.

RESULTS

Most studies published in the literature are in the form of successful case reports and single-arm series with small patient numbers. Most commonly used agents include hormonal agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), interferons and cytotoxics. The literature data support the use of hormonal agents. Several questions, however, remain unresolved, such as which is the most suitable endocrine manipulation and what is the optimal dose and duration of treatment. NSAIDs and interferons have demonstrated activity against AF either alone or in combination with hormone therapy or chemotherapy but the precise mechanism of action is still unknown. Finally, there is growing evidence in the literature that chemotherapy is effective against AF with almost one in two patients being likely to respond.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence in the literature supports the opinion that both non-cytotoxic and cytotoxic chemotherapies are effective against AF. However, the lack of sufficient patient numbers and randomized trials compromises the validity of the reported results and mandates further investigation with properly designed prospective studies including larger patient numbers, with main end points to include not only tumor response rate and survival but also quality-of-life issues.

Extra-abdominal desmoid fibromatosis: two familial cases with synchronous and metachronous multicentric hyalinizing nodules

AIMS

Extra-abdominal desmoid fibromatosis is an uncommon tumour. We present here two exceptional familial cases of extra-abdominal desmoid fibromatosis, one of which was synchronous and metachronous.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The first patient was a 37-year-old woman who had noted a tumour growing on the dorsum of her right foot when she was 12 years old. She underwent excision of the tumour but in the following year the tumour recurred locally and grew into multiple nodules. Subsequently, multicentric tumours appeared in her knee, distal and posterior aspects of her thigh, right back and right anterior shoulder. Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia of the femur and cranium was found on radiological examination. The second patient was a 74-year-old man, the uncle of the first patient. He underwent an excisional operation of a tumour on the internal malleolus surface of his fibula when he was 46 years old. The tumour recurred 7 years later and was excised. His post-operative course has been uneventful. The histology of the primary and recurrent tumours was distinctive and consistently showed hyalinizing scar-like features.

CONCLUSIONS

Familial cases of extra-abdominal desmoid fibromatosis with extensive multicentric lesions and distinctive hyalinizing scar-like features are described. Recently, attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis with familial desmoid fibromatosis has been recognized, and familial desmoid fibromatosis without adenomatous polyposis may also be one of its variants. Although the present cases have no history of colon polyposis or carcinoma, monitoring of the intestinal tract would seem to be indicated.

Desmoid tumours

Desmoid tumours exhibit fibroblastic proliferation and arise from fascial or musculoaponeurotic structures. Despite their benign microscopic appearance, and their negligible metastatic potential, the propensity of desmoid tumours for local infiltration is potentially significant in terms of deformity, morbidity and mortality due to pressure effects and obstruction of vital structures and organs. The rarity of desmoid tumours, coupled with the variability in their clinical course, renders these lesions a vexing entity, and makes demonstration of the efficacy of any specific intervention difficult. Failure to recognize the potential for malignant behaviour in this tumour renders desmoids susceptible to inadequate treatment. This distinct pathological entity is reviewed with a specific focus on aetiology and treatment.

Gardner-associated fibromas (GAF) in young patients: a distinct fibrous lesion that identifies unsuspected Gardner syndrome and risk for fibromatosis

Gardner syndrome (GS), caused by mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, is characterized by polyposis coli, osteomas, and various soft-tissue tumors. If undetected or untreated, virtually all patients develop colonic carcinoma at a young age. Early detection, while essential, can be difficult because of attenuated phenotypes or spontaneous mutations. We present the clinicopathologic features of 11 identical fibromatous lesions that we have termed Gardner-associated fibroma (GAF), which not only appear to be a part of the spectrum of lesions associated with GS but, in some cases, represent the sentinel event leading to its detection. The GAFs occurred in 11 patients (5 boys and 6 girls; age range, 3 months-14 years), were solitary (n = 7) or multiple (n = 4), and occurred in the superficial and deep soft tissues of the paraspinal region (n = 7), back (n = 3), face (n = 2), scalp (n = 2), chest wall (n = 2), thigh (n = 1), neck (n = 1), and flank (n = 1). Histologically, GAFs resemble nuchal-type fibromas (NFs), consisting of thick, haphazardly arranged collagen bundles between which are found occasional bland fibroblasts, and having margins that frequently engulf surrounding structures including adjacent fat, muscle and nerves. After surgical excision, four patients developed recurrences that were classic desmoid fibromatoses (DFs). In one patient with multiple GAFs, one lesion had the features of GAF and DF in the absence of surgical trauma. A family history of GS or polyposis (n = 6) or DF (n = 1) was known at the time of surgery in seven patients. In three patients, the diagnosis of GAF resulted in the diagnosis of unsuspected APC in older family members, with the detection of an occult colonic adenocarcinoma in one parent. In the family of the remaining patient, no stigmata of GS were present. Genetic analysis of this child was performed to investigate the presence of a spontaneous (new) mutation; however, no abnormalities were detected. The significance of GAF is that it serves as a sentinel event for identifying GS kindreds, including those with a high risk for the development of DF, and it may potentially identify children with spontaneous mutations of the APC gene. Because NFs and GAFs resemble one another, we suggest that a subset of NF occurring in multiple sites, unusual locations, or children may be GAF.

Desmoid tumour: a pleomorphic lesion

BACKGROUND

Desmoid tumour (DT) is an uncommon locally invasive non-metastasizing neoplastic lesion. The aetiology of this tumour is unknown and its treatment is controversial. Twelve cases of DT are presented and the literature is reviewed.

METHODS

Twelve cases of DT treated at our institution during a 3.5-year period are analysed and the literature reviewed. Ten patients were referred with a primary tumour, one with local recurrence and one patient with a second primary desmoid tumour. One patient had multiple mesenteric DT (familial adenomatous polyposis coli-FAP), and in the remaining 11 patients the tumour was located in the abdominal wall in four, at an extremity in three, in the upper back in two patients, in the pelvis in one and retroperitoneally in one.

RESULTS

The largest mesenteric DT was marginally excised en bloc with total jejunectomy. In the remaining 11 DT, complete excision to microscopically tumour-free margins was possible in nine cases and to microscopically involved margins in two cases. At a mean follow-up of 22 months (range 7-38 months), one patient was alive with stable disease (Gardner's syndrome), 10 patients were alive and free of recurrence and one patient (9%) developed local recurrence which was re-excised-she is disease-free 10 months later.

CONCLUSIONS

Complete excision is the main modality of treatment for primary and recurrent DT. This is feasible in most cases except for tumours involving the base of the bowel mesentery. Surgical resection alone achieved local control of the tumour in most of the patients in this series (92%).

Case report: Spontaneous isolated mesenteric fibromatosis presenting as megaduodenum

A case of spontaneous isolated mesenteric fibromatosis presenting as megaduodenum is reported. The lesion was small, only 2 cm in its greatest diameter. However, because of its location near the ligament of Treitz and because of its characteristic infiltrative growth pattern, the tumour involved the distal duodenum and resulted in acute angulation and obstruction early in its course. We successfully resected the mass and the patient is in fair physical condition 6 months after operation.

Desmoids in familial adenomatous polyposis

Clinical desmoid disease affect approximately 10 per cent of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP); the subclinical rate is unknown. Desmoids are probably neoplastic rather than regenerative in origin and may arise in association with germline or somatic mutations at or beyond codon 1444 of the APC gene. Intra-abdominal desmoids behave unpredictably but are an important cause of death in those with FAP. Signal intensity on magnetic resonance imaging reflects tumour cellularity, which in part determines progression, and this may help management. Surgical treatment of advanced desmoids is hazardous, but medical treatments have limited success. Chemotherapy with doxorubicin and dacarbazine is currently under evaluation.

Modification of growth of desmoid tumours in tissue culture by anti-oestrogenic substances: a preliminary report

BACKGROUND

Tamoxifen and toremifene have been used in patients with advanced desmoid tumours with response rates of 51%.

METHODS

We developed an experimental model of desmoid tumour cells in tissue culture to study their effect. Four cell lines were established in tissue culture. All native and corresponding cultured tumours were oestrogen receptor negative. Tumour 1 was from a 22 year old with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and recurrent abdominal wall desmoid tumours. She remains disease free on tamoxifen 4 years following surgery. Both her mother and sister also have shown regression of their FAP-associated desmoid tumours at the menopause and on tamoxifen, respectively. We assessed the effect of tamoxifen on desmoid tumours in tissue culture at 780 ng/mL. The results were assessed by cell density counting.

RESULTS

Tumours 1 and 2 have responded with an approximately. 50% reduction in growth to tamoxifen at 780 ng/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

This apparent growth inhibitory effect of tamoxifen on two desmoid tumour cell lines appears to be independent of oestrogen and correlates with the in vivo effect of tamoxifen on three desmoid tumours in an FAP family.

Choice of prophylactic surgery for the large bowel component of familial adenomatous polyposis

The surgical options for treating the large bowel component of familial adenomatous polyposis are total proctocolectomy, colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis, and restorative proctocolectomy, with or without mucosectomy. Although the first of these eradicates all mucosa at risk, it carries several disadvantages, not least of which is a permanent ileostomy. There is little to choose functionally between the other two operations. The choice should be based on the perceived risk of cancer developing in any residual rectum; the factors influencing this risk are discussed.

A desmoid tumor of the pancreas. Sporadic intra-abdominal desmoids revisited

CONCLUSIONS

Desmoid tumors may rarely develop at the site of an unrelated surgical procedure. This is an index description of a desmoid tumor occurring at the line of a pancreatic resection. Because sporadic intra-abdominal desmoids are markedly less prone to recurrence than genetically determined desmoids, it is reasonable to suggest re-resection for the infrequent recurrence in sporadic cases.

BACKGROUND

Intra-abdominal desmoid tumors are infrequently encountered in surgical practice and, when seen, are most often those genetically determined tumors associated with Gardner's Syndrome or familial polyposis. In contrast, fewer than 100 cases of sporadic intra-abdominal desmoid tumors have been reported; only 16 of these sporadic tumors have occurred at the site of a previous surgical procedure. The current report describes a case of sporadic desmoid tumor that developed at the pancreatic suture line 18 mo following distal pancreatectomy for a nonsecreting islet cell tumor.

METHODS

An extensive literature search was focused on desmoid tumors in general, and sporadic intra-abdominal desmoids in particular.

RESULTS

During the course of this collective review, it was noted that the high rate of postoperative recurrence for intra-abdominal desmoids in genetically determined cases differed markedly from the low rate of recurrence after section of sporadic tumors.

Mesenteric fibromatosis in Crohn's disease

We have seen two patients with Crohn's disease and mesenteric fibromatosis, the least common form of desmoid tumor. Although both gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal tumors are relatively common in Crohn's disease, this type of tumor has not been seen in > 1,650 patients operated on for this condition. As the only common factor in the two male patients discussed in this article was previous intestinal resections, surgical trauma may be a predisposing factor in the occurrence of these desmoid tumors. We will continue to search for other examples in patients with Crohn's disease.

Desmoid tumors in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND

Sporadic desmoid tumors occur mainly in the abdominal wall and in extraabdominal sites. Desmoid tumors in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) usually occur in the abdominal wall and in the bowel mesentery. Surgical resection of desmoids in patients with FAP has been controversial.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with FAP and desmoid tumors treated from 1950 to 1991 was performed. Patients were evaluated for gender, age, site of desmoid tumors, treatment, recurrence, and survival.

RESULTS

Twenty-one of 24 patients underwent 60 surgical procedures related to the desmoid tumors. Seven of nine patients who underwent potentially curative surgery had recurrences; three were reresected. Major morbidity after palliative or curative surgery was 47%. Five patients were alive with no evidence of disease at a median of 198 months, 10 patients were alive with disease at a median of 102 months, and 5 patients died with disease at a median of 31 months after diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Desmoid tumors are common in patients with FAP. Unresectability and recurrence are more common than cure. Palliative and curative resections have a high morbidity. Surgery should be reserved for those patients with symptomatic mesenteric desmoids.

Mesenteric fibromatosis

The authors present the case of a 13-year-old boy in whom, after irradiation for Hodgkin's disease and exploratory laparotomy, mesenteric fibromatosis developed. The "tumor" was resected, and 1 year postoperatively the patient is well.

Breast cancer, desmoid tumours, and familial adenomatous polyposis--a unifying hypothesis

There is widespread agreement that epithelial tumours develop as a consequence of primary events within epithelial cells. According to the monoclonal theory, a tumour is caused by genetic change within a single cell, which imparts a selective growth advantage. This simple theory fails to take into account two important concepts. First, tumour generation is likely to involve multiple genetic events, some of which initiate a tumour, and others promote its growth. Second, tumours are usually composed of several tissue components, although they are known by the dominant proliferative cell type. This convention has tended to obscure the importance of "secondary" tissue components in carcinogenesis, despite evidence for the involvement of mesenchymal elements both in the induction and maintenance of transformation. To shift emphasis from the monoclonal theory, we propose a unifying hypothesis accounting for the effect of adjuvant tamoxifen in early breast cancer and the association between gastrointestinal polyps and desmoid tumours.

Mesenteric desmoid of the appendix--a case report

A case of an isolated mesenteric desmoid (fibroma) is presented with two unusual characteristics. First, it arises from the mesentery of the appendix. Second, it presents as a twisted desmoid. The CT and US characteristics are presented. This patient was without risk factors for mesenteric fibrosis such as Gardner's syndrome or previous surgery.