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Desmoid Tumor

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Desmoid Tumor is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

Musculoaponeurotic fibromatosis
Aggressive fibromatosis
Deep fibromatosis
Nonmetastasizing fibrosarcoma
Grade I fibrosarcoma

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

The Greek word "desmos" which means tendon or band like has been the origin of the term desmoid and was coined by Muller in 1838. Desmoid tumor commonly develops in the fibrous (connective) tissue of the body that forms tendons and ligaments, usually in the arms, legs or midsection, and also in the head and neck. These tissues of the body connect, support, and surround other body parts and organs.

Desmoid tumor is also called as aggressive fibromatosis as it has similarities with a malignant (cancerous) tumor called fibrosarcoma however, it is considered benign because it does not metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body.

Regardless of its scientific classification, a Desmoid tumor can be invasive to surrounding tissues and difficult to control. Desmoid tumors can develop virtually at any body site. Superficial desmoids tend to be less aggressive than deep desmoids (abdominal, extra abdominal, mesenteric). It can adhere to and intertwine with surrounding structures and organs. The myofibroblast is the cell considered to be responsible for the development of Desmoid tumor and usually very difficult to remove because they intertwine extensively with the surrounding tissues. These tumors look like dense scar tissue and just like scar tissue, they adhere tenaciously to surrounding structures and organs.

Surgery has been the traditional main mode of therapy for Desmoid tumors but up to 70% of these tumors recur after surgery.

Resources

American Cancer Society, Inc.
1599 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
USA
Tel: (404)320-3333
Tel: (800)227-2345
TDD: (866)228-4327
Internet: http://www.cancer.org

Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
Tel: (301)251-4925
Fax: (301)251-4911
Tel: (888)205-2311
TDD: (888)205-3223
Internet: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/AboutGARD.aspx

Madisons Foundation
PO Box 241956
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Tel: (310)264-0826
Fax: (310)264-4766
Email: getinfo@madisonsfoundation.org
Internet: http://www.madisonsfoundation.org

Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation
P.O. Box 273
Suffern, NY 10901
Tel: (914)262-6595
Fax: (845)369-8302
Email: marlene@dtrf.org
Internet: http://www.dtrf.org

For a Complete Report:

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be downloaded free from the NORD website for registered users. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational therapies (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: �3/9/2008
Copyright �2008�National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders

Last Updated: May 16, 2012

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.