Desmoid tumor-associated pain is dependent on mast cell expression of cyclooxygenase-2.

Summary

This study aimed to investigate the expression profile of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in desmoid tumor specimens and to evaluate the correlation of intratumoral COX-2 expression with pain status. Our results indicated that COX-2 secretion from mast cells modulates desmoid tumor-associated pain. In addition, mast cells may at least in part contribute to the pathogenesis of desmoid tumors.