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The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation

March 2026

Giant Mediastinal Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis in the Puerperium: A Case Report

Author Information

Huanqi Mo 1 2, Yinggao Li 3 4, Shasha Yao 3 4, Wei Zhu 1 2, Yuan Zheng 1 2, Kan Wang 1 2

1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China. 2The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China. 3Department of Surgery, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Chuxiong, Yunnan, People's Republic of China. 4Department of Surgery, Traditional Yi Medicine Hospital of Yunnan Province, Chuxiong, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.

Publication

Int J Womens Health

Summary

Objective: To report a rare case of giant mediastinal desmoid-type fibromatosis (DTF) in the puerperium, with emphasis on the challenges of determining optimal surgical timing in the early postpartum period. Methods: Retrospectively analyzed clinical data of a 25-year-old postpartum woman with giant mediastinal DTF presenting with chest pain, dyspnea, and dysphagia after cesarean section. Imaging revealed a massive tumor causing severe cardiac and pulmonary compression. The patient underwent surgical resection 27 days postpartum. Results: The successfully resected tumor weighed approximately 5.5 kg. Postoperative pathology confirmed DTF. The patient recovered well without serious complications. Conclusion: Giant mediastinal DTF in the puerperium is extremely rare and presents significant surgical challenges. For postpartum cases presenting with severe compressive symptoms, individualized assessment of surgical timing is crucial, weighing the risks of early postpartum intervention against potential life-threatening cardiopulmonary compromise. Multidisciplinary collaboration is key to successful management.

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