Anterior abdominal wall desmoid tumors: Reconstructive considerations and challenges in an oncoplastic unit in a low- and middle-income country: A case report

• Published in: Journal of clinical sciences 2024-04, Vol.21 (2), p.99-102
• Main Authors: Ajagbe, Oluwasanmi Adekunle, Ugwu, Ebere Osinachi, Idowu, Olusola Kayode, Adigun, Tinuola A., Ayandipo, Omobolaji O., Olawoye, Olayinka Adebanji
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: anterior abdominal wall; desmoid tumor; fibromatosis
• ISSN: 2468-6859; 2408-7408
• DOI: 10.4103/jcls.jcls_69_23

Desmoid tumors (DTs) are rare, locally aggressive tumors. When left untreated, DT can rapidly proliferate and occupy a significant portion of the anterior abdomen, making postresection reconstruction challenging. We present a 32-year-old female with a previous history of cesarean section and a 10-month history of two rapidly growing anterior abdominal wall (AAW) masses. There was no clinical or radiologic evidence of distant metastases. Abdominopelvic computed tomography scan showed no intra-abdominal extension. She had a wide local excision of the masses using an “abdominoplasty” technique and reconstruction of the extensive musculofascial defect with fascia lata grafts and polypropylene mesh. A histologic diagnosis of desmoid-type fibromatosis was made. The patient is scheduled for adjuvant radiotherapy and desires future pregnancies. This case report highlights the reconstructive considerations and challenges associated with surgical resection of huge AAW DT in an oncoplastic unit in a low- and middle-income country.