Abdominal wall inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor initially misdiagnosed as leiomyoma: a rare case report

Abstract

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm that most commonly arises in the lung and intra-abdominal soft tissues. Involvement of the anterior abdominal wall is exceptionally uncommon and can lead to diagnostic difficulty. We report a case of a 34-year-old male who presented with a painless, enlarging supraumbilical mass. Imaging demonstrated a heterogeneously enhancing lesion with intra-abdominal extension and close proximity to bowel loops. Core needle biopsy suggested a benign spindle cell tumor consistent with leiomyoma. Due to diagnostic uncertainty, complete surgical excision was performed. Final histopathology confirmed inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor with clear margins. The postoperative course was uneventful, and follow-up was arranged because of the risk of recurrence. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of abdominal wall inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors and emphasizes the role of surgery in achieving definitive diagnosis and treatment.