Chronic multifocal collagenous fibroma with tumor development at surgical incision site: a 46-year case report

Abstract Background Collagenous fibroma (CF), also known as desmoplastic fibroblastoma, is a rare benign fibroblastic/myofibroblastic tumor characterized by FOSL1/FOS rearrangements. CF typically presents as a solitary, slow-growing mass in middle-aged adults. This case presents three extraordinarily rare features: pediatric onset at age 5, chronic multifocal disease over 46 years, and rapid post-surgical growth at a sternotomy site. Surgical excision is the preferred treatment. Case presentation We report a 51-year-old male with chronic, multifocal CF beginning at age 5 and persisting over 46 years, predominantly affecting the right side. In 2022, a rapidly enlarging mass (25 × 7 cm) developed at a pericardial window incision site within 2–3 years post-procedure. Core needle biopsy at an outside institution showed overlapping features with desmoid fibromatosis. Following an unsuccessful trial of imatinib, comprehensive immunohistochemical analysis at our institution definitively established the diagnosis of CF. Marginal excision with local flap reconstruction resulted in R1 margins. MRI demonstrated T1 isointensity and low T2 signal. Histopathology revealed sparsely cellular spindle-cell proliferation in dense collagenous stroma. Immunohistochemistry showed cytoplasmic/membranous β-catenin expression without nuclear accumulation, low Ki-67 index, and nuclear FOSL1 positivity. The postoperative course was uneventful, with no new lesions at 5-month follow-up. Conclusion This case presents an extraordinary constellation of three rare features: (1) pediatric onset at age 5; (2) chronic multifocal disease persisting over 46 years; and (3) rapid post-surgical growth suggesting trauma-associated tumorigenesis. These features justify comprehensive molecular analysis and long-term surveillance.