What is a desmoid tumor?
Desmoid tumors are benign, non-inflammatory fibroblastic tumors with a tendency for local invasion and recurrence but without metastasis. The terms desmoid tumor and aggressive fibromatosis are occasionally used synonymously by some authors 9.
How do you get rid of desmoid tumors?
Chemotherapy: There is no standard chemotherapy for desmoid tumors but promising new drugs have been shown to shrink these tumors. It is important to discuss these different options with your doctor and seek second opinions, if possible. Do desmoid tumors run in families?
Can I talk to my doctor about my desmoid tumor diagnosis?
This is very rare in patients with a desmoid tumor. But if it does happen, this diagnosis is stressful and can be difficult to discuss. However, it is important to have open and honest conversations with your health care team to express your feelings, preferences, and concerns.
What age group is desmoid tumor most common?
Desmoid tumors are most common in people between the ages of 15 and 60 years. They are more common in females than males. How common is desmoid tumor? For every one million people worldwide, two to four are diagnosed with a desmoid tumor per year.
Desmoid tumors are noncancerous growths that occur in the connective tissue. Desmoid tumors most often occur in the abdomen, arms and legs. Another term for desmoid tumors is aggressive fibromatosis.
Who treats desmoid tumors?
Our program is led by Kristy L. Weber, MD, and Alexandre Arkader, MD, nationally renowned surgeons who specialize in treating bone and soft tissues tumors, limb-sparing surgery and reconstructive surgery. Treatment for desmoid tumors varies, depending on the size, location and rate of growth.
How successful is cryoablation for desmoid tumors?
Percutaneous ablation is a common treatment modality in desmoid tumors. Especially successful results were obtained with cryoablation. In a recent 10-year study, it was shown that approximately 95% of patients had local tumor control and pain related to the tumor was eliminated. How is it done?
How are TKIs used to treat desmoid tumors?
Some TKIs may be useful in treating a progressing or recurrent desmoid tumor by shrinking it or halting its growth. A recent global phase III clinical trial (see About Clinical Trials) examined the TKI called sorafenib (Nexavar) to treat a desmoid tumor. Sorefenib is currently used to treat liver, thyroid, and kidney cancers.