A rare sporadic pancreatic desmoid fibromatosis with splenic vein invasion diagnosed by CT scan-guided core needle biopsy: a case report with possible differential diagnosis from metastatic colorectal or renal cancer

Abstract

Desmoid tumor is a rare fibroblastic proliferation with a variable and often unpredictable clinical course that arises in the deep soft tissues and is characterized by infiltrative growth with tendency to local recurrence but not to metastasize. A 49-year-old man was referred for a second opinion regarding a pancreatic mass. With a personal neoplastic background of two different tumors, we considered as a high probability of being metastatic of his previous colorectal or renal cancers, in a peritoneal implant. Due to the unclear origin and nature of the mass, we opted for requesting a computed tomography (CT)-guided core needle biopsy that could eventually lead to a surgical and/or chemotherapy treatment. So far, this is the first case of pancreatic desmoid fibromatosis with splenic vein invasion diagnosed by CT scan-guided core needle biopsy. Surgery should be performed by an experienced surgeon as first-line therapy, provided expected surgical morbidity is limited.

Desmoid-type fibromatosis in splenic hilum with rupture of lienal artery aneurism in a 17-year-old male

“…Meyer et al talk about rare sporadic pancreatic desmoid fibromatosis in patient with history of colon adenocarcinoma and renal cell carcinoma [1]. DF occurs at previous surgical resection sites, especially when intra-abdominal, after cholecystectomy or colectomy for carcinoma, sarcoma or FAP [2][3][4][5][6]. Our patient didn't have any previous surgical intervention.…”

A desmoid-type fibromatosis in the retroperitoneum of the gastro-pancreatic region that was resected with a distal pancreatomy: a case report

“…According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a DTF is characterized by infiltrative growth and a tendency toward local recurrence; however, it is unable to metastasize [3] . Local infiltration of DTF can cause death through invasion of adjuvant vital structures and organs [4] . According to radiology, they are usually non-specific, slow growing solid masses that are difficult to distinguish from other soft tissue tumors [5] .…”