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

**Authors:** Youssef T Youssef, Mohamed Baklola, Mohamed Abdelhai Mahmoud, Mohammed R Arrabyee, Eslam Ashraf Mustafa Ibrahim, Tamer Youssef

PMC · DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjag065 · Journal of Surgical Case Reports · 2026-02-12

## TL;DR

A rare case of an abdominal wall tumor initially mistaken for a benign growth is reported, highlighting the challenges in diagnosis and the importance of surgery for confirmation.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the limited literature on abdominal wall inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors and their diagnostic difficulties.

## Key findings

- The tumor was initially misdiagnosed as a benign leiomyoma based on biopsy.
- Complete surgical excision confirmed the diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor.
- The patient had an uneventful recovery but requires follow-up due to recurrence risk.

## 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.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (MONDO:0015798), leiomyoma (MONDO:0001572)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (MESH:D009369), leiomyoma (MESH:D007889)

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

11 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12900066/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12900066