Chest wall reconstruction following axillary breast augmentation and desmoid tumor resection using capsular flaps and a form-stable silicone implant: A case report, diagnosis and surgical technique

INTRODUCTION: Chest desmoid tumors (CDT) are rare lesions characterized by fibroblastic proliferation from the connective tissue. Although CDT have been studied previously, no cases following subfascial transaxillary breast augmentation (TBA) have been described. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The authors describe a case of CDT in a 28-year-old woman one year after TBA, which presented as a painful and progressive mass in the lower-inner right breast quadrant. MRI showed a soft-tissue tumor (6 × 3 × 4 cm) that affected the region of the right anterior costal margin, without signs of structural costal invasion. Patient was treated surgically, exposing the right costal-sternal region through an inframammary approach and resecting the CDT. The remaining capsular flap was mobilized into the defect and a form-stable silicone implant was utilized to cover the chest wall defect and achieve an adequate breast contour. The patient is currently in 5th year after chest reconstruction, with satisfactory results. Neither the tumor or the symptoms recurred. DISCUSSION: CDT is an uncommon evolution following TBA. Although it is a rare disease, thoracic and plastic surgeons must be alert to avoid misdiagnosis. Defect reconstruction is necessary, mobilizing the capsular flaps and replacing the implants in order to obtain a satisfactory outcome. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of this rare post-operative evolution is crucial, and early surgical intervention is warranted in order to avoid more aggressive treatment. This case report provides general knowledge of CDT, and may be used as guidance for early diagnosis and treatment.