Desmoid tumor of the anterolateral abdominal wall: A rare case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Desmoid tumors of the abdominal wall are rare fibroblastic proliferative tissue, included in the group of soft tissue tumors, not metastasizing but locally aggressive as an infiltrating tumor and a source of recurrence. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report describes a rare case of desmoid tumor of the anterolateral abdominal wall presented with a large mass of the left flank and iliac fossa. The diagnostic was suspected radiologically following an abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An exploratory laparotomy found a large mass infiltrating the left rectus abdominis muscle, a part of the flat left abdominal muscles, and the left iliac crest. The patient underwent a total resection of the mass involving the left rectus muscle with autoplasty by a pedicled flap of the left LATA fascia with the placement of a bifacial mesh. Histologic analysis of the operatory specimen confirmed the diagnosis of a desmoid tumor of the abdominal wall. The patient has been discharged from the hospital on the fifth day post-operatory with an uneventful recovery; she was in good health after a one-year follow-up. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Desmoid tumors of the abdomen are very rare. Although this tumor is histologically benign, it has the potential of invading vital structures and has a high rate of local recurrence. Histology staining confirms the diagnosis, surgery is the gold standard in the management of this pathology. CONCLUSION: We highlight the importance of radical surgical excision to avoid desmoid tumor complications and to minimize the recurrence risk.