Desmoid tumor of the chest wall with pleural involvement

Although there have been reports of desmoid tumors of the chest wall, pleural extension, as well as overall size greater than 20 cm, is rare. We present the case of a large desmoid tumor involving the left anterior chest wall, upper abdomen, and diaphragm, which impinged on the left lung and displaced the liver. Wide surgical excision, reconstruction, and differential diagnosis from fibrosarcoma are essential elements in the treatment of these rare tumors. (C) 2003 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.