Frontiers in Medicine (Nov 2022)

Case report: Desmoid fibromatosis diagnosed in a 27-year-old male after being mistaken for a gastrointestinal stromal tumour

  • Larissa Albino,
  • Yimeng Guo,
  • Julinor Bacani,
  • Cheryl Mather,
  • Jan-Erick Nilsson,
  • Levinus A. Dieleman

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.998473
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9

Abstract

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Despite being distinct lesions, gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) and desmoid fibromatosis may appear similar on imaging when they involve the stomach wall or bowel. As a result, they may be confused with one another when initially diagnosed. This report aims to present a case where a desmoid tumour was mistaken for a gastric GIST in a 27-year-old gentleman despite extensive investigation prior to exploratory laparotomy, and why differentiation through pathology, with a focus on the immunohistochemistry profile, is key for proper prognostication and appropriate management, including timely investigation for associated diseases such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis in patients with desmoid tumours.

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