Surgical treatment outcomes of elastofibroma dorsi in 16 patients with 22 lesions

Abstract Background Elastofibroma dorsi is a rare, slow-growing, benign soft tissue tumor typically located under the scapula. Although elastofibroma dorsi is a benign lesion, it may cause symptoms such as pain and restriction of movement, and its mass-like appearance can lead to considerable patient anxiety. We aimed to present patients diagnosed with elastofibroma dorsi who had clinical complaints and underwent surgical treatment, in conjunction with the literature in this study. Methods Our study retrospectively analyzed lesions surgically treated in the Orthopedics and Traumatology and Thoracic Surgery Clinics over the past five years, which were pathologically confirmed as elastofibroma dorsi. All patients were operated on in the prone position under general anesthesia, and all excised lesions underwent postoperative pathological examination. Results A total of 22 elastofibroma dorsi lesions were identified in 16 patients, including 6 patients with bilateral involvement. The mean age of the patients was 62.3 years (range, 46–76). Of these lesions, 13 (59.1%) were located on the right side and 9 (40.9%) on the left. The predominant presenting symptoms were pain, limitation of shoulder motion, cosmetic concerns, and the presence of a palpable mass. Lesion sizes ranged from 5 to 10 cm in diameter. Magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography consistently demonstrated well-defined tumors situated posterolaterally in the chest wall, between the serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi muscles. All patients underwent marginal resection following anatomical dissection of the involved muscle groups. Postoperatively, seromas developed in 8 lesions (36.4%) and a hematoma in 1 lesion (4.5%). The seromas were successfully managed with aspiration and compression bandaging, while the hematoma required surgical reintervention. Conclusions Elastofibroma dorsi is a slowly growing benign lesion typically located beneath the inferior scapula. In symptomatic patients, surgical excision results in a marked improvement of symptoms. The most common surgical complication is the development of postoperative seroma.