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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Desmoid Tumors?

Hi I need to get more information about desmoid tumors. I have one on mu upper back. I did surgery once but doctor didn t clean very good and didn t have clear margins so it grew back again . I m just confused what to do next. One specialist says surgery again with radiation after and other says let s shrink it with medication
Fri, 14 Oct 2016
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi & Welcome.

A desmoid tumor is an abnormal growth that arises from connective tissue, which is the tissue that provides strength and flexibility to structures such as bones, ligaments, and muscles. They are generally benign in nature because they do not spread to other parts of the body (metastasize). However, they can aggressively invade the surrounding tissue and can be very difficult to remove surgically.
These tumors often recur, even after apparently complete removal.

What actually causes these tumors is not known, however they tend to occur more frequently in people with an inherited form of colon cancer called familial adenomatous polyposis.

You seem to have developed recurrent desmoid tumor due to previous inadequate surgical removal.

My advice would be as long as you don't have any pain or if the tumor is not increasing its size, the treatment can be delayed. Otherwise, surgery with negative surgical or clear margins followed by radiation therapy as a treatment of choice with high cure rate.

The response rates of certain medications such antiestrogens and prostaglandin inhibitors are variable 30-40% hence, not advisable.

Hope the suggestions given above would be useful in taking a decision.
Best regards.
A feedback is appreciated.
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What Causes Desmoid Tumors?

Hi & Welcome. A desmoid tumor is an abnormal growth that arises from connective tissue, which is the tissue that provides strength and flexibility to structures such as bones, ligaments, and muscles. They are generally benign in nature because they do not spread to other parts of the body (metastasize). However, they can aggressively invade the surrounding tissue and can be very difficult to remove surgically. These tumors often recur, even after apparently complete removal. What actually causes these tumors is not known, however they tend to occur more frequently in people with an inherited form of colon cancer called familial adenomatous polyposis. You seem to have developed recurrent desmoid tumor due to previous inadequate surgical removal. My advice would be as long as you don t have any pain or if the tumor is not increasing its size, the treatment can be delayed. Otherwise, surgery with negative surgical or clear margins followed by radiation therapy as a treatment of choice with high cure rate. The response rates of certain medications such antiestrogens and prostaglandin inhibitors are variable 30-40% hence, not advisable. Hope the suggestions given above would be useful in taking a decision. Best regards. A feedback is appreciated.