Desmoplastic Fibroma of the Left 6th Rib in a 35-year-old Man: a Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

\n Background: Desmoplastic fibroma (DF) is a rare, benign tumor. The most common sites are the long tubular bones and mandible. Although generally considered a benign tumor, it can invade surrounding tissues and has a high rate of local recurrence after incomplete surgical excision. However, there is currently no stantard treatment. Here we present a novel case of DF in the left 6th rib in a 35-year-old man.Case presentation: The man presented to our center with left chest pain and swelling. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a 4.5×2.0 cm mass on the left 6th rib with pathological fracture. Wide resection was performed. Open biopsy revealed that the tumor destroyed medullary cavity and partially broke through the bone cortex. Pathologically, the tumor was composed of spindle-shaped cells arranging in a woven pattern on a backgroung of abundant collagenous fiber. No β-catenin were detected. Based on the pathological and radiological findings, a final diagnosis of DF was made. No postoperative adjuvant treatments were administerded. Fortunately, there was no evidence of recurrence 22 months after surgery. Conclusions: DF originated from rib is a kind of extremly rare benign tumor but locally aggressive and show unique biologically features. Wide resection or total resection can effectively reduce the risk of local recurrence when compared with curettage. Rarity of the tumor favors documentation in literature.