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Desmoid tumors, also known as aggressive fibromatosis, are non-malignant growths that can be found in the connective tissue and commonly occur in the arms, legs and abdomen. They are noncancerous because they don’t spread to other parts of the body. They are however, managed by oncologists as they have a tendency to be invasive aggressive and develop grow into other nearby organs. Slow growing tumors may not need treatment but fast growing would need treatment such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other medications.
Symptoms
Symptoms of desmoid tumors vary depending on which part of the body they occur in. Overall, these are the common signs and symptoms:
- Pain
- Swelling or presence of a mass
- Loss of function in affected location
- Abdominal cramps and nausea
If these symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
Causes
The cause of desmoid tumors is unclear. These tumors develop due to mutation of the DNA of connective tissue cells. The cells then grow and multiply rapidly forming a tumor which can spread and destruct the healthy tissues of the body.
Risk factors
These are the risk factors categories which may develop desmoid tumors:
- Age. Common in young adults between 20 to 40 years old. They are less likely occur in children and older people.
- Genetic syndrome. Inherited Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) may develop desmoid tumors. It is a condition where multiple polyps form in the colon. It occurs from a genetic mutation inherited by children from their parents.
- Pregnancy. Desmoid tumors uncommonly can occur during or after pregnancy.
- Injury. Recent occurrence of an injury or surgery may also sometimes develop desmoid tumors.
Diagnosis
The following tests will be done by the doctor to diagnose desmoid tumors:
- Physical exam. The doctor will perform an examination for any signs and symptoms.
- Imaging tests. Imaging tests like Computed Tomography (CT) Scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) will be done in order to show images of the body part where the symptoms appear for further diagnosis.
- Biopsy. A tissue sample of the tumor is removed through biopsy (using a needle or through surgery) and sent to the laboratory for testing. The pathologist will determine the type of cell present seriousness of the condition, as well as the diagnosis and treatment method.
Treatment
- Monitoring the growth of the tumor. The tumor will be monitored by the doctor if it does not manifest any symptoms through imaging tests performed once in every couple of months. The tumors may have the tendency to remain at the same size or shrink on their own without undergoing treatment.
- Surgery. If the desmoid tumors are symptomatic, surgery may be indicated to remove them together with some parts of healthy tissues. They may also require surgery if the tumor has extensively grown invading other structures around, even if the removal is not complete.
- Cryoablation. Uses very cold temperature to destroy desmoid tumors.
- Radiation therapy. Uses a strong X-ray or proton beams to destroy the cancer cells. It is utilized if you are not eligible to undergo surgery, if surgery is a high risk or if there are cancer residue suspected after a surgery.
- Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses specific medications to destroy tumors. It may also be used if surgery is not an option or if the desmoid tumor is rapidly growing.
- Other medications. Anti-inflammatory medications, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy also utilize medications which may be helpful to treat desmoid tumors.
