Fibromatosis of the cervical region following laminectomy: a case report and literature review

• Published in: Spine (Philadelphia, Pa. 1976) Pa. 1976), 2012-04, Vol.37 (7), p.E456-E459
• Main Authors: Sevak, Shruti, Blount, Andrew L, Cottingham, Sandra, DeLano, Mark, Vander Woude, Douglas L, Stevenson, John, Chung, Mathew H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cervical Vertebrae - pathology; Cervical Vertebrae - surgery; Female; Fibroma - etiology; Fibroma - pathology; Fibroma - surgery; Humans; Laminectomy - adverse effects; Middle Aged; Spinal Neoplasms - etiology; Spinal Neoplasms - pathology; Spinal Neoplasms - surgery
• ISSN: 0362-2436; 1528-1159
• DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e318232922a

A case report and a discussion of recently published data. To highlight the occurrence of postoperative fibromatosis arising in the cervical spine. Fibromatosis is a benign, locally invasive fibroblastic proliferation that can cause compressive effects on adjacent structures. Although the precise etiology of fibromatosis remains unclear, numerous studies have investigated the role of pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells in β-catenin-regulated tumorigenesis. At present, aggressive fibromatosis is managed with wide local excision. Postoperative radiation therapy is indicated for incomplete excision. A 48-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of enlarging paracervical fibromatosis after undergoing extensive cervicothoracic instrumentation for excision of an extradural schwannoma. The patient underwent wide local excision of the neck mass, with right trapezius myocutaneous flap reconstruction of the subsequent defect. Histologically, the lesion was shown to be fibromatosis. Six months postoperatively, the patient was doing well with no recurrence. Fibromatosis is an important diagnosis to consider when evaluating locally aggressive spinal lesions at sites of prior operative repair. Molecular and genetic studies pertaining to the role of mesenchymal stem cells and β-catenin in the pathogenesis of aggressive fibromatosis tumors could lead to possible worthwhile treatment strategies in the future.