Surgical treatment of a giant mesenteric fibromatosis mimicking a gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a case report and current treatment aspects

Abstract

Intra-abdominal fibromatosis (IAF), usually located at the mesenteric level, is a locally invasive tumor of fibrous origin. Although lacking the ability to metastasize, it has the tendency to recur. The case described here is a case of mesenteric fibromatosis with involvement of the bowel wall, which had the appearance of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), a tumor with malignant behavior. This report outlines the fact that certain non-typical cases of IAF with involvement of the bowel wall can be misdiagnosed as GIST. It is of outmost importance to make an early and correct diagnosis in such equivocal cases, so that the appropriate treatment can be closed.