Sarcomas

Desmoid Tumors

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Desmoid tumors develop in the tissues that form tendons and ligaments, usually in the arms, legs or abdomen and sometimes in the chest. These tumors, also called aggressive fibromatosis, are a type of soft tissue sarcoma and are considered benign because they typically don't spread to other parts of the body. They may invade nearby tissues and organs, however, and can be difficult to control.

Although we don't yet know the cause of these tumors, researchers have found that they tend to occur in children who have a family history of polyposis coli, a hereditary colon cancer. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, depending on the location of the tumor and your child's age.

A Desmoid tumor may exist for some time before being discovered. That's because they develop in flexible tissue such as tendons and ligaments, which are pushed aside to make room as the tumors grow. Symptoms vary with each child, but common symptoms include:

• Painless swelling or lump
• Obstruction of the bowels, when tumors form in the abdomen
• Pain or soreness caused by compressed nerves or muscles
• Limping when the tumors occur in the legs

Desmoid tumors vary greatly depending on size and location of the tumor, the extent to which it has invaded surrounding tissues and your child's age.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007