Recurrent desmoid tumor of the mediastinum: A case report

Desmoid tumors (DTs) are rare, benign soft-tissue tumors that have the potential for local invasion, but not for metastasis. The tumors are commonly characterized by a palpable mass, but present a variable and unpredictable clinical course. The current study presents the case of a giant mediastinal DT exhibiting lung involvement. A 50-year-old female was referred to the West China Hospital (Chengdu, Sichuan, China) due to a recurrent DT that was identified one year following radical surgery. The patient subsequently received radiation therapy. The DT arose from the mediastinum, unlike the usual presentation, and recurrence presented as extensive invasion into the lung tissue, almost being misdiagnosed as lung cancer with brain metastasis. Tumor recurrence was diagnosed through contrast-enhanced computed tomography and histological examination of the tumor. A routine follow-up revealed no further tumor progression at 9 months post-admission. Taking into account the unpredictable treatment complications, recurrent DTs can be managed simply and efficiently. A ‘wait-and-see’ policy could be a viable therapeutic option for this disease.