Desmoid tumors of the chest wall

OBJECTIVE: Desmoid tumors of the chest wall are uncommon fibromatous tumors characterized by their local invasion and frequent recurrences. They are considered low-grade malignant sarcomas. We analyze our results and evaluate our experience in their surgical treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1980 and 1999, eight patients were operated in our service for desmoid tumors of the chest wall. There were five males and three females with a mean age of 32 years old (17-52 years). The diagnosis was established on the basis of clinical signs and imaging studies (Chest X-ray and computed tomography). Surgery was done by direct approach of the tumors. RESULTS: None of the patients had Gardner's syndrome. Complete resection was done in seven of the eight cases. Histology confirmed all cases. The follow-up ranged from 24 and 180 months, for a mean of 82 months. There was one death from cardiac and renal failure 3 months after a fifth resection associated with adjuvant radiation therapy. No other post-operative complications were observed. Recurrences occurred in 50% of cases, all treated by surgery, associated to radiotherapy in one case. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of primary desmoid tumors of the chest wall requires wide local resection. In cases of recurrences, multimodality therapies should be considered.