The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation

November 2018

Recurrent Desmoid Tumor of the Neck: A Case Report of a Benign Disease with Aggressive Behavior

Author Information

Klonaris DA(1), Karatzanis AD(1), Velegrakis SG(1), Lagoudakis ED(2), Prokopakis EP(1), Velegrakis GA(1).

(1)Dept of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. (2)Dept of Pathology, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.

Publication

Case Rep Otolaryngol

Summary

We present a case of a desmoid tumor recurrence in a patient with a history of a resected desmoid tumor of the right neck area with free surgical margins six months earlier. The neoplasm was found to invade the parapharyngeal space, and wide excision was performed including most of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the thrombosed internal jugular vein, and the infiltrated spinal accessory nerve. The histopathologic findings displayed free microscopic margins, with close margins at the site of the parapharyngeal space extension. After 3 months, there was no sign of tumor recurrence. After 6 months, local tumor recurrence was identified on clinical examination and imaging. The decision of the Oncology Board was further treatment with radiotherapy. Response to treatment was satisfactory, and the patient was on close follow-up for twelve months. Appropriate patient counseling and close follow-up are warranted in all cases.

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