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The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation

April 2026

Sclerosing Rhabdomyosarcoma Arising in Desmoid Fibromatosis 17 Years After Therapeutic Radiation

Author Information

Jean G Louka 1 2, Maryam Y Jawid 3, Taha Aksoy 1 2, Erik A Williams 4, Andrew E Rosenberg 4, Emily Jonczak 2 5, Harry Thomas Temple 1 2

1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida. 2Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Health System, Miami, Florida. 3Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. 4Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Hospital, Miami, Florida. 5Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.

Publication

JBJS Case Connect

Summary

Case: A 54-year-old man received radiation therapy (50 Gy) for popliteal desmoid fibromatosis. After 17 years, he developed an enlarging mass in the same location. Initial biopsy suggested recurrent desmoid, but a repeat biopsy revealed sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma. Despite chemotherapy and transfemoral amputation, he developed pulmonary and chest wall metastases. Conclusion: The 17-year latency period and tumor location within the prior radiation field are consistent with radiation-associated malignant transformation; however, definitive causality cannot be established. Orthopaedic surgeons should maintain a low threshold for rebiopsy of any new or changing mass in previously irradiated fields.

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