Misdiagnosed desmoid fibromatosis of the chest wall presenting in emergency like as recurrence of post-traumatic hematoma: A case report and review of the literature

Desmoid Fibromatosis (DF) represents a rare neoplasm developing from fascial and musculoaponeurotic structures. Preoperative diagnosis of DF is a challenge because of its rarity and nonspecific presentation. Imaging may be helpful for determining the correct diagnosis. Currently there are different clinical treatments of DF including surgical treatment, drug treatment and radiotherapy. A 43-year-old Caucasian male presented to the Emergency Department with a 6-month history of recurrence of post-traumatic chest wall hematoma. Physical examination revealed a partially solid, painless mass on the right anterior chest wall. Laboratory tests reported and neutrophilic leukocytosis. Thoracic contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a smooth contour, heterogeneous and hypodense subcutaneous soft tissue mass anterior to the right pectoral muscles and to the right 4th–7th rib. The patient underwent surgery: a solid suprafascial neoplasm was completely excised. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful. DF is a soft tissue neoplasm with a tendency for local invasion and recurrence. The course of DF cannot be predicted, being fatal if DF infiltrates vital structures. Diagnosis of DF is difficult and imaging may be helpful for determining the correct diagnosis. Currently the treatment for DF has shifted from surgery (post-operative recurrence rates of 20%–70%) to conservative therapy including watchful waiting. DF is a myofibroblastic proliferative soft tissue tumor and classified as an intermediate malignancy. Preoperative diagnosis of DF needs a high index of suspicion and is facilitated by imaging. Surgery, among different treatments, represents a potentially curative treatment of DF. •Desmoid Fibromatosis (DF) represents a rare neoplasm developing from fascial and musculoaponeurotic structures.•The central biologic event in the DF formation is an alteration in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.•Diagnosis of DF is a challenge because of the absence of specific clinical presentation, pathognomonic radiographic and laboratory findings.•Surgery, among different treatments, represents a potentially curative treatment of DF.