Desmoplastic fibroma of the distal tibia: A case report of a minimally invasive histological diagnosis.

This case report presents an incidentally detected DF of the tibia, which was diagnosed using a minimally invasive approach. The aim of this study was to discuss the clinical, histological, immunohistochemical and radiographic characteristics of this rare neoplasm, with a focus on image-guided bone biopsy.

Imaging criteria for measuring the response of desmoid fibromatosis to systemic therapy are not well established. We evaluated a series of patients with desmoids who underwent systemic therapy to document magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features associated with a positive clinical response.

We have encountered a case of a symptomatic growing desmoid tumor of the abdominal wall in a young patient with Gardner’s syndrome, successfully treated by complete resection and reconstruction with a biologic mesh to correct the parietal defect.

The efficacy of the classical treatment modalities surgery and radiotherapy in the treatment of aggressive fibromatosis is presently disputed and there is a shift towards a more conservative approach. The aim of the present study is to objectify tumor growth in patients with extra-abdominal or abdominal wall aggressive fibromatosis, while adhering to a “watchful waiting” policy. Other objectives are to investigate quality of life and to identify factors associated with tumor growth, in particular the relation with the presence of a CTNNB1-gene mutation in the tumor. GRAFITI is a nationwide, multicenter, prospective registration trial. All patients with extra-abdominal or abdominal wall aggressive fibromatosis are eligible for inclusion in the study. Main exclusion criteria are: history of familiar adenomatous polyposis, severe pain, functional impairment, life/limb threating situations in case of progressive disease. Patients included in the study will be treated with a watchful waiting policy during a period of 5 years. Imaging studies with ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging scan will be performed during follow-up to monitor possible growth: the first years every 3 months, the second year twice and the yearly. In addition patients will be asked to complete a quality of life questionnaire on specific follow-up moments. The primary endpoint is the rate of progression per year, defined by the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST). Secondary endpoints are quality of life and the rate of influence on tumor progression for several factors, such as CTNNB1-mutations, age and localization.

Surgery has been the historical standard of care but carries considerable drawbacks in terms of high local recurrence rates and poor functional outcomes. Improved understanding of the natural history of desmoid-type fibromatosis has resulted in a paradigm shift toward nonoperative management. Effective medical treatment options include nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, hormone therapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and targeted agents. A treatment algorithm has been proposed with the objective of optimizing treatment.

Pregnancy has been reported as a risk factor for promoting growth and progression of desmoid-type fibromatosis because of the presumed role of estrogens in stimulating desmoid growth. Recurrence-free survival rates among women recently pregnant before or pregnant after resection of desmoid tumor and nulliparous women or those with a remote history of pregnancy are comparable after adjusting for patient age, anatomic location, and completeness of surgical resection. Subsequent pregnancy should not be discouraged for reproductive-aged women after resection of desmoid-type fibromatosis.