Desmoid tumors (also known as aggressive fibromatosis, desmoid fibromatosis, and desmoid-type fibromatosis) are rare, locally invasive, soft tissue tumors that form in the connective tissues of the body. They can occur anywhere in the body. Common sites include the abdominal muscles, inside the abdomen, the head and neck area, trunk, breast, and the extremities.
Desmoid tumors do not have the ability to metastasize (i.e., spread through the blood or lymph system to other distant locations or organs), but in some rare cases, an individual can have more than one desmoid tumor (also called “multifocal”).1
Although desmoid tumors do not metastasize, they can be locally aggressive and severely damage surrounding tissues and vital structures as they grow. They also have a high rate of regrowth or “recurrence” after surgery, and should be monitored long-term in most cases.
For more information about diagnosis, treatment and pain management of desmoid tumors, patients and clinicians should consult the Global Consensus Paper published in the European Journal of Cancer (EJC) entitled “The management of desmoid tumours: A joint global consensus-based guideline approach for adult and paediatric patients.”
