Mesenteric desmoid tumor: De novo occurrence or recurrence following appendectomy?

Summary

Desmoid type fibromatosis (DF) is a rare, locally aggressive but benign proliferation of fibrous tissue which produces a fibroblastic mass that can cause a wide range of symptoms secondary to mass effect. When resected, these masses most commonly recur in the first 2 years. We present a case of a 33-year-old male with a history of an appendectomy 2 years prior, though his pathology report did not identify inflammation in the appendix, who presented with gradual onset of abdominal pain, and radiographs that demonstrated a large mass in the right lower abdomen. Given his symptoms the mass was resected and pathologic evaluation revealed a desmoid tumor. This case presents a unique possibility of a recurrent desmoid tumor in which the patient's surgical history and radiographic findings can contribute to the overall management strategy of the patient given the evolving options for treatment of desmoid fibromatosis.