title: Neuropathic Pain due to Fibromatosis: Does Anticancer Treatment Help?
abstract: Desmoid fibromatosis, although histologically benign, infiltrates local structures. The involvement of neural structures can lead to difficult neuropathic pain and the escalating use of analgesics. We report a patient with desmoid fibromatosis of the chest wall causing brachial plexus infiltration. As the tumor was locally invasive and unresectable, he was treated with radiation therapy and oral tamoxifen. On follow-up, there was significant pain relief, sustained reduction in the tumor size, and reduced analgesic requirement. Antineoplastic treatments like local radiation therapy and targeted systemic therapy with hormones or other agents can be considered in the management of selected unresectable desmoid fibromatosis to improve symptom control and reduce polypharmacy.
authors.affiliation: Palliative Care Unit, Christian Medical College Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mathew
authors.forename: Reena Mary
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: Jenifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jeba
authors.forename: Sunita Susan
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Varghese