Desmoid Fibromatosis Mimicking Metastatic Recurrence After Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Desmoid fibromatosis is a rare, neoplastic tumor known for its aggressive local invasion and recurrence after surgery. Tumors can occur sporadically or associated with familial adenomatous polyposis. We present 3 cases of desmoid fibromatosis postpancreatectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. All cases occurred within 3 years of diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, with subsequent extensive diagnostic work-up to rule out metastatic disease. No relationship between pancreatic cancer and desmoid fibromatosis is documented in the literature, with a postulated connection via mutations on the Wnt/APC/Beta-catenin pathway.