What are the prognosis of patients with desmoid tumors?

Because desmoid tumors are so rare, it is hard to determine accurate survival rates, but 1 report found that more than 98% of patients were alive 5 years after their diagnosis.

Are desmoid tumors life threatening?

Many desmoid tumors grow slowly and do not cause problems. But some desmoid tumors grow quickly and can interfere with the body’s normal activities. Most desmoids are not life threatening.

Can you live with a desmoid tumor?

Most desmoid tumors do not impact lifespan but they are very difficult to get rid of and can be painful to live with. Desmoid tumors growing in the abdomen can cause problems, such as blocking your intestines. It is important that your doctor monitor the growth of these tumors carefully.

How fast do desmoid tumors grow?

[11] reported that sporadic postoperative intra-abdominal desmoid tumors can develop 11 months to 7 years after abdominal surgery. In our patient, the desmoid tumor was detected 6 months postoperatively and the new masses were detected 9 months postoperatively.

What is aggressive fibromatosis?

Aggressive fibromatosis (AF), also known as desmoid tumor, is a rare type of fibrous tumor with low-grade malignancy and high potential of recurrence (25–77%) (1,2), although it usually recurs in situ and does not metastasize distantly.

How do you shrink a desmoid tumor?

Anti-inflammatory drugs may cause the tumor to slowly shrink. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and drugs such as Imatinib are used to treat desmoid tumors.

What is desmoid type fibromatosis?

Desmoid fibromatosis (DF) is a locally aggressive, deep seated connective tissue malignancy developing in musculoaponeurotic tissues. It is also known as aggressive fibromatosis, deep fibromatosis, musculoaponeurotic fibromatosis and desmoid tumor.

Is there a cure for desmoid tumors?

Complete surgical excision of desmoid tumors is the most effective method of cure. This sometimes necessitates removal of most of an anterior compartment of a leg. Extensive cases may require excision plus adjuvant treatment including chemotherapy and repeat surgery.

Is fibromatosis fatal?

They can be either relatively slow-growing or malignant. However, aggressive fibromatosis is locally aggressive and can cause life-threatening problems or even death when they compress vital organs such as intestines, kidneys, lungs, blood vessels, or nerves.

Are desmoid tumors curable?

Some desmoid tumors are slow growing and don’t require immediate treatment. Others grow quickly and are treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other drugs.