Fibrous tumor of the stomach causing abdominal pain and melena: Case report with review of literature

INTRODUCTION: Fibrous tumor of the stomach is a rare mesenchymal tumor composed of hyalinized fibrous tissue with spindle shaped fibroblasts. This type of tumor usually occurs in the subcutaneous tissues and the deep soft tissues. Its occurrence in stomach is extremely a rare finding and only few cases have been reported worldwide, the exact etiology is still unclear. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 68-year-old female was complaining from epigastric and right hypochondrial pain for few months. It was associated with attacks of non-bilious vomiting and early satiety, with attacks of melena. During abdominal examination there was a palpable mass in the epigastric region which was oval in shape, soft, mobile in the vertical direction, and was non-pulsatile. The hemoglobin was 9 gm/liter. Ultrasound and CT-scan of the abdomen showed a well-defined non-enhancing, multi-loculated mass related to the body of the stomach. Gastroscopy showed soft tissue mass with intact mucosa in the anterior gastric wall, multiple biopsies were taken which revealed fatty tissue with no evidence of malignancy. Laparotomy was done and a soft, mobile mass was found in the anterior gastric wall in the pre-pyloric region, the serosa was intact, complete excision of the mass was performed. The histopathological result showed fibrous tumors of the stomach. CONCLUSION: The treatment of this tumor is mainly through surgical intervention. Which should be done at the time of diagnosis. The prognosis after successful resection is excellent, few cases are reported with local recurrence.