Aggressive Fibromatosis, Clinicopathologic Findings of 25 Cases; A Single-Center Experience and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND: Aggressive fibromatosis is a rare benign tumor with no potential for metastasis; however, its aggressive nature causes treatment failure and episodes of recurrence. There is no report from Iran about the treatment of this tumor, and all published articles are single-case reports, therefore in this study, we report our experience from two of the largest referral centers of the South of Iran. METHODS: During five years (2007-2011), among more than 20000 surgical pathology specimens, 25 cases of fibromatosis were identified. Clinicopathologic findings were recorded for all of the cases, and follow up history according to the patients’ charts and direct contact by phone call were extracted. RESULTS: There were 25 cases of fibromatosis, with female predominance, especially in the reproductive ages. All of the tumors had been located in the abdominal area, lower extremity, and head and neck area. Twenty-three cases had been operated for surgical excision. Fifteen cases had at least one episode of recurrence, mostly located in the abdominal area. No death or metastasis occurred. CONCLUSION: Clinicopathologic findings of desmoid tumor in Iran are very similar to other countries, however, there is still much controversy about the method of treatment for fibromatosis, and there are many challenges for patients, regarding multiple episodes of recurrence and the infiltrative aggressive nature of fibromatosis.