Desmoid Tumor Management Challenges: A Case Report and Literature Review on the Watch-and-Wait Approach in Recurrent Thoracic Fibromatosis

Abstract

Desmoid tumors are rare mesenchymal neoplasms arising from locally invasive fibroblasts. While they lack metastatic potential, they exhibit high local recurrence rates and can cause significant tissue destruction. We present the case of a 39-year-old female patient who initially presented with epigastric pain, pyrosis, and a palpable, firm, painless mass in the left upper quadrant, extending to the left hemithorax. The patient’s medical history included treated cervical neoplasia. Clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and histopathological analysis suggested aggressive fibromatosis. The patient opted for a surgical excision, which resulted in tumor recurrence one year later, with infiltration of the ribs near the sternum. Despite oncological recommendations favoring conservative management, the patient opted for a second surgical intervention, involving an en-bloc resection of the tumor and the affected sternum and ribs, followed by thoracic wall reconstruction.

1. Introduction

Desmoid tumors (DTs), also known as aggressive fibromatoses, are rare mesenchymal neoplasms, accounting for approximately 3% of all soft tissue tumors and 0.03% of all neoplasms [1,2]. Despite their lack of metastatic potential, DTs exhibit aggressive local infiltration and can compress surrounding structures, leading to significant morbidity. Their high recurrence rates pose a major challenge, particularly when they arise in anatomically complex regions, where complete surgical resection is difficult [3,4,5].

These tumors predominantly affect women of reproductive age, with a marked association with hormonal factors. They are rare after menopause and have been observed to increase in size during pregnancy. Management strategies remain controversial, ranging from active surveillance to aggressive surgical and systemic interventions, depending on tumor location, progression, and symptom severity.

We present the case of a 39-year-old woman who initially developed a tumor in the left hypochondrium extending to the left hemithorax. After undergoing partial excision, she experienced a more aggressive recurrence that required extensive resection and thoracic wall reconstruction. This case highlights the challenges of managing DTs and raises questions regarding the role of surgical intervention versus conservative therapeutic approaches. Informed consent was obtained from the patient prior to the study.

2. Case Description

A 39-year-old female presented with a firm, painless, and well-defined left inframammary thoracic mass, adherent to adjacent anatomical structures. The mass was located at the superior margin of the left rectus abdominis muscle, extending to the left hemithorax. She also reported epigastric pain, pyrosis, and vomiting. Her medical history was notable for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN III), which had been treated with conization one month prior to presentation.

2.1. Initial Diagnostic Workup

A soft-tissue ultrasound revealed a left paramedian parenchymatous mass measuring 4 × 2.7 cm, situated at the base of the hypochondrium, corresponding to the anterior XI-XII intercostal spaces. A contrast-enhanced thoraco-abdominal CT scan (Figure 1) further identified a well-defined, oval, intramuscular mass (22 × 48 × 55 mm, AP/LL/CC) within the proximal segment of the left rectus abdominis muscle, anterior to the VI-VII-VIII costal cartilages. There was no evidence of intra-abdominal or intrathoracic extension, adjacent tissue invasion, bone lysis, or suspicious adenopathies.

A tru-cut biopsy was subsequently performed under ultrasound guidance. Histopathological examination revealed a spindle-cell tumor composed of elongated or oval-shaped nuclei, moderate eosinophilic cytoplasm, and bundles intersecting at various angles, compressing the surrounding muscle fibers. These findings suggested a mesenchymal tumor with uncertain malignant potential, with differential diagnoses including desmoid tumor and low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (Figure 2).

2.2. Surgical Intervention and Initial Outcomes

Given the uncertainty of the diagnosis, a surgical evaluation was recommended to establish a definitive diagnosis. Following consultation, the decision was made to proceed with tumor excision. The mass was circumferentially delineated and resected down to the costal plane, resulting in partial tumor removal (specimen size: 6 × 5 × 4 cm).

Immunohistochemical evaluation was performed, revealing focal positivity for SMA and desmin, while STAT6 and S100 were negative. The Ki-67 proliferative index was <1%, indicating low proliferative activity. The final diagnosis confirmed a desmoid tumor, but with positive resection margins.

From a histopathological standpoint, desmoid tumors are characterized by a monoclonal proliferation of fibroblasts, with these cells predominantly located at the periphery of the lesion. Immunohistochemically, they commonly demonstrate positivity for smooth muscle actin and nuclear beta-catenin. In our case, while the immunohistochemical profile aligned with these typical findings, beta-catenin expression was absent. Importantly, the lack of beta-catenin staining does not exclude the diagnosis of fibromatosis. Additionally, immunostaining was negative for desmin, cytokeratins, and S-100 protein, as is commonly observed in desmoid tumors [6].

Postoperatively, there were no immediate complications, though the patient developed a keloid scar at the surgical site (Figure 3).

2.3. Tumor Recurrence and Further Management

By May 2022, MRI imaging revealed tumor recurrence (28 × 50 × 84 mm, AP/LL/CC). Due to the progressive nature of the recurrence, an oncological evaluation was recommended. The patient sought further assessment at the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori in Italy, where the recurrence was confirmed, with a maximum tumor diameter of 8 cm (Figure 4 and Figure 5). The medical team advised against further surgery and recommended conservative management, including chemotherapy with methotrexate, vinorelbine, VEGF inhibitors, and anthracyclines. However, the patient declined chemotherapy to pursue a new surgical evaluation.

By September 2022, a CT scan revealed further tumor progression (36 × 76 × 75 mm, AP/LL/CC), with continued growth documented in January 2023 (47 × 74 × 91 mm). The tumor now featured intrathoracic and intra-abdominal extension, infiltrating the chondro-sternal cartilages of the VI and VII ribs and contacting the homolateral V rib cartilage, without malignant transformation.

2.4. Second Surgical Intervention and Postoperative Course

Despite the oncologist’s recommendation against surgical intervention, the patient opted for a second surgery due to aesthetic concerns and increased anxiety after self-palpating the tumor. An en-bloc resection of the tumor was performed, involving removal of the affected sternum and ribs, followed by thoracic wall reconstruction using a myocutaneous flap.

On postoperative day one, the venous anastomosis of the flap thrombosed, necessitating an emergency microsurgical reconstruction.

2.5. Long-Term Follow-Up and Disease Progression

Over the two-year period following the initial diagnosis, the patient underwent multiple imaging studies (CT, MRI, ultrasound) and numerous medical consultations. Despite aggressive surgical treatments, she developed two postoperative scars:

1.

A hypertrophic scar on the left thigh (from flap harvesting) (Figure 6A);

2.

A thoraco-abdominal scar from the second surgical resection (Figure 6B).

Figure 6. (A) Hypertrophic scar on the left thigh. (B) Thoraco-abdominal scar.

Figure 6. (A) Hypertrophic scar on the left thigh. (B) Thoraco-abdominal scar.

In April 2024, a thoracic MRI confirmed tumor recurrence at the same location, reinforcing the chronic, recurrent nature of the disease (Figure 7).

Initially, the tumor showed a slow increase in size; however, following the first surgical intervention on 17 August 2021, a steady growth pattern was observed, leading to a significant increase in volume. Despite this, the tumor continued to progress, necessitating a second surgical intervention on 30 January 2023. This trend highlights the high recurrence rate of desmoid tumors, particularly when complete resection with negative margins is challenging to achieve (Figure 8).

2.6. Clinical Implications

This case exemplifies the high recurrence rate of desmoid tumors, particularly when negative resection margins are not achieved. Despite oncological recommendations favoring conservative therapy, the patient opted for surgical interventions, which led to multiple recurrences and increased morbidity.

The case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, involving oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists, to balance the risks and benefits of surgical versus non-invasive management strategies.

3. Discussions

Desmoid tumors (DTs) are rare, locally aggressive mesenchymal neoplasms characterized by infiltrative growth and a high recurrence rate despite their lack of metastatic potential [1,7]. These tumors primarily affect the abdominal and intra-abdominal regions, with thoracic wall and retroperitoneal localizations being uncommon [7]. Other possible sites include the shoulders, upper arms, and thighs [1].

DTs predominantly occur in individuals aged 15 to 60 years, with a higher prevalence in females due to hormonal influences, particularly pregnancy. Approximately 20% of desmoid tumors are associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and mutations in the APC gene, with an estimated 11% mortality rate in these cases [8]. Additionally, 5–10% of desmoid tumors have a hereditary component, often linked to Gardner syndrome, which significantly increases the risk of colorectal cancer and desmoid tumor development [1].

Our patient’s clinical presentation and medical history were atypical, as she had no prior pregnancies, surgical trauma, or genetic syndromes, yet developed an extensive tumor involving the left hypochondrium and hemithorax.

3.1. Diagnosis and Imaging Characteristics

A combination of ultrasonography, CT, and MRI is typically used for DT diagnosis. Ultrasound findings vary but generally show well-defined, hypoechoic masses with minimal vascularity. Contrast-enhanced CT scans often demonstrate high-attenuation tumors with well-defined or infiltrative borders [9]. In our patient, serial contrast-enhanced CT scans were instrumental in assessing tumor recurrence, progression rate, and extent while also ruling out distant metastasis.

However, imaging alone is insufficient for definitive diagnosis, as DTs can mimic other mesenchymal tumors. In our case, a tru-cut biopsy was essential for differentiating between desmoid tumor and low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma. Histopathological analysis revealed spindle cells arranged in intersecting bundles, confirming a mesenchymal tumor with uncertain malignant potential. Immunohistochemical evaluation further supported the DT diagnosis, with tumor cells showing focal positivity for SMA and desmin, negativity for STAT6 and S100, and a low Ki-67 proliferation index (<1%). Unfortunately, β-catenin staining could not be performed due to limited biopsy material, which could have provided additional diagnostic confirmation.

3.2. Molecular Aspects and Prognostic Markers

At the molecular level, desmoid tumors are associated with mutations in the β-catenin (CTNNB1) gene or APC gene. Identifying a CTNNB1 mutation can aid in differential diagnosis and predict the likelihood of recurrence [10]. In our case, molecular testing was unavailable, which may have impacted the treatment strategy.

Despite their benign histological appearance, DTs are locally invasive and often necessitate surgical resection [11]. However, local recurrence rates range from 45% to 70%, largely depending on tumor size, treatment modality, and resection margin status [11,12]. In our patient, incomplete surgical excision (positive margins) led to an aggressive recurrence within nine months, further reinforcing the importance of achieving negative resection margins.

3.3. Management Strategies: Surgery vs. Conservative Approaches

There is no universal consensus on the optimal treatment strategy for DTs. Management is depicted in Figure 9. Treatment strategies can be categorized into active and conservative approaches. Active management encompasses surgical intervention, radiotherapy (RT), systemic therapies such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy, as well as combination treatments. In contrast, conservative approaches involve active surveillance, commonly referred to as the “watch-and-wait” strategy, alongside locoregional therapies, including cryoablation, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and radiofrequency ablation.

Surgical resection has historically been the gold standard for DTs, particularly when the tumor is localized and resectable [5]. The primary goal of surgery is to preserve critical structures while achieving complete tumor removal [3]. However, due to high recurrence rates (15–40.6%), particularly in extra-abdominal DTs (29.6–45.5%), an increasing number of studies suggest non-surgical management strategies [13]. Incomplete resection (positive margins) is associated with a 1.78-fold increase in recurrence risk [13].

Our patient’s initial surgical intervention resulted in a more aggressive recurrence, with increased tumor size and invasion. Despite the oncologist’s recommendation for non-surgical management, the patient opted for a second surgery, which included an en-bloc resection of the sternum and ribs, followed by thoracic wall reconstruction. Although negative margins were achieved in the second surgery, tumor recurrence still occurred after a few months.

3.4. The Role of Watch-and-Wait in Desmoid Tumors

A watch-and-wait approach is increasingly advocated for asymptomatic, stable, or minimally symptomatic DTs. Bonvolot et al. proposed that active surveillance could be the preferred initial strategy, allowing clinicians to distinguish aggressive from indolent tumors [14,15]. Bektas et al. also emphasized that patients with non-progressive or critical-location tumors may benefit more from conservative management [13,15].

The watch-and-wait approach is considered a first-line strategy for managing desmoid tumors, particularly in cases where the tumors are asymptomatic, mildly symptomatic, or not showing signs of progression. Monitoring is typically performed every 1–2 or 3–6 months. According to available data, approximately 59% of all desmoid tumors remain stable under active surveillance, 20% show progression, and 19% demonstrate partial regression. In extra-abdominal locations, about 71% of tumors remain stable after at least 12 months of follow-up, while in abdominal wall tumors, spontaneous regression is observed in 21–28% of cases [13].

In our patient’s case, oncologists recommended systemic therapy (methotrexate, vinorelbine, VEGF inhibitors, and gamma-secretase inhibitors) to avoid repeat surgery, but the patient refused medical treatment, ultimately leading to further morbidity and tumor recurrence.

3.5. Radiotherapy as an Alternative or Adjuvant Treatment

Radiotherapy (RT) is a valuable option for recurrent DTs, particularly in cases where the patient is not a candidate for surgery, when the surgical morbidity is excessive or when positive surgical margins are present [13].

When used as an adjuvant therapy after surgery, tumor control rates reach 85% compared to 78% with RT alone. The local recurrence rate for RT monotherapy ranges from 14.1% to 37.5% [13]. Studies suggest that postoperative RT significantly improves progression-free survival compared to surgery alone [16,17]. However, the optimal RT dose remains uncertain, with recommendations ranging between 50 and 60 Gy [18]. Higher doses (>56 Gy) do not significantly improve outcomes but are associated with increased radiation-induced complications [19].

3.6. Systemic Therapy and Locoregional Treatments

For rapidly progressing or symptomatic desmoid tumors (DTs), systemic therapy may be considered. Cytotoxic chemotherapy, such as doxorubicin combined with dacarbazine, is one potential option [20]. Additionally, low-dose methotrexate in combination with vinca alkaloids has demonstrated a 50% response rate over five years [21]. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), including imatinib—particularly effective in CTNNB1-mutated DTs—along with sorafenib and pazopanib, have also been utilized [15,22].

Minimally invasive locoregional therapies have been explored as alternative treatment modalities. Cryoablation has shown a tumor control rate of 85.1% at one year and 77.3% at three years [23]. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has demonstrated a tumor volume reduction of up to 63% in extra-abdominal DTs [13]. Similarly, radiofrequency ablation has yielded promising outcomes, particularly in small to moderate-sized DTs [13].

3.7. Final Considerations and Clinical Lessons

This case underscores the complexity of DT management and the need for personalized treatment strategies. While surgical intervention remains an option, particularly for localized tumors, the high recurrence rates and surgical morbidity highlight the importance of multidisciplinary decision-making involving oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists.

Key takeaways from this case emphasize the optimal management of desmoid tumors. Surgical excision with positive margins is associated with a high risk of recurrence, emphasizing the need for careful patient selection. In certain cases, a watch-and-wait approach should be prioritized to avoid unnecessary interventions. Additionally, radiotherapy and systemic therapy serve as valuable alternatives to surgery, offering effective treatment options with potentially lower morbidity. Ultimately, optimal management requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating the expertise of surgeons, oncologists, and other specialists to tailor treatment strategies to individual patient needs. Ultimately, treatment decisions should balance tumor progression, patient preference, and morbidity risks, aiming for the best long-term outcome while minimizing unnecessary interventions.

4. Conclusions

Desmoid tumors (DTs) pose significant challenges in treatment selection due to their high recurrence rates, local invasiveness, and unpredictable behavior. The heterogeneous nature of DTs necessitates an individualized, multidisciplinary approach, balancing the risks and benefits of invasive versus conservative management.

This case highlights the limitations of surgical intervention, particularly in cases where negative resection margins are difficult to achieve. The patient’s recurrent tumor growth following incomplete excision reinforces the importance of carefully assessing the necessity of surgery before proceeding with invasive treatment.

Current scientific literature supports a watch-and-wait approach as the preferred initial strategy for asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic tumors, as it can help avoid unnecessary procedures, surgical morbidity, and increased recurrence risk. In cases where intervention is warranted, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, and locoregional treatments (e.g., cryoablation, HIFU, radiofrequency ablation) offer viable alternatives or adjuncts to surgery, particularly in recurrent or unresectable DTs.

Effective patient–physician communication is essential in the management of desmoid tumors, given their unpredictable behavior and wide range of treatment options—from active surveillance to surgery, systemic therapy, or radiotherapy—each with distinct risks and benefits. Clear and continuous dialogue not only supports shared decision-making and helps tailor treatment to the patient’s values and preferences but also provides psychological support, manages expectations, and addresses quality-of-life concerns. Ultimately, this collaborative approach aligns with the patient-centered management required to achieve the best long-term outcomes while minimizing treatment-related morbidity.