Facts & Stats on Desmoid Tumors
Knowledge of desmoid tumors may help you move forward and make informed decisions with your doctor.
Desmoid tumors are dense, soft-tissue tumors. They can grow aggressively and affect nearby tissues and organs. They can often return, even after surgery or other treatments. A desmoid tumor is also called aggressive fibromatosis. Only 3% of soft tissue tumors are desmoid tumors. It is a rare tumor type.1-3
In the US, up to 1650 people are diagnosed with desmoid tumors every year.4-6
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with desmoid tumors, but men are at risk as well5,7,8
The majority of people with desmoid tumors are diagnosed in young adulthood5
After surgery, desmoid tumors may come back—based on the tumor location and other factors8,9
Desmoid tumors can affect each person differently depending on where the tumor is in the body, how fast it grows, and other factors.
The risk of desmoid tumors rises for people with a family history of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).10 If a person has FAP, doctors may recommend a colectomy to help prevent colon cancer. However, for some, this surgery can increase the risk of developing desmoid tumors.11
Desmoid tumors can develop anywhere in the body where there is soft, connective tissue.2 For example: tumors may form in tissues within the abdominal area, the chest, legs and feet, arms and hands, or the head and neck.
Desmoid tumors do not spread to other parts of the body (metastasize). However, even if they are not malignant, they can cause serious health problems as they grow. They can affect and damage surrounding organs, blood vessels, and nerves.1,2
Desmoid tumor symptoms can vary based on where the tumor is located. For example: A tumor within the abdominal area may cause digestive system blockages, pain, malaise, abdominal swelling, weight loss, or muscle wasting.11-13 Tumors in the arms or legs may cause limited movement, deformity, pain, tiredness, weakness or muscle problems.11,14,15
How can I track my symptoms?
There are various health apps, such as Apple HealthTM, you can use to keep track of your symptoms on your smart phone. WebMD® also offers a tracking feature called Symptom Checker. Monitoring your symptoms regularly and reporting them to your healthcare provider may help track your progress and manage your care plan.
These applications are provided for informational purposes only and do not represent an endorsement or a recommendation from SpringWorks Therapeutics. The applications listed are independent of SpringWorks and SpringWorks has no control over the content of these applications. The applications are linked to other websites that have different terms of use and privacy policies. Please refer to those applications and websites for the applicable terms of use and privacy policies.
How are desmoid tumors diagnosed?
Your doctor may perform a physical exam and ask about your medical and family history.
These tests can also help with diagnosis:
- Biopsy: Typically, a tiny sample of the tumor tissue is taken out with a needle and analyzed by a
pathologist to confirm if it is a desmoid tumor16,17 - Imaging Scans (CT or MRI16,17 ) can also help your doctor see the location and size of the tumor18
Can desmoid tumors be mistaken for other medical conditions?
Because they are so rare, desmoid tumors may sometimes be misdiagnosed as7,19:
- Hypertrophic scars or keloids
- Low-grade sarcomas or gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)
- Benign growths such as nodular fasciitis, lipoma, fibroma, schwannoma, or leiomyoma
Which healthcare professionals can help with treating or managing desmoid tumors?
The care team for a person with a desmoid tumor may include:20,21
- Medical oncologist
- Sarcoma specialist
- Surgeon or surgical oncologist
- Radiologist
- Radiation oncologist
- Pathologist
- Nurse, nurse practitioner, and physician assistant
Mental health and other healthcare professionals may also be involved in your care.21
A multidisciplinary care team can help you:22
- Decide on your individualized care plan based on the advice of multiple healthcare professionals, including a desmoid tumor specialist or expert
- Coordinate your care for a faster time to treatment
- Use the team’s shared knowledge to help make informed treatment decisions
Where can I learn more about desmoid tumors?
For more information about desmoid tumors, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) has helpful resources. Find the NCCN Guidelines for Patients®: Soft Tissue Sarcoma at NCCN.org.
You may also ask your doctor or care team for additional information. Explore online resources through advocacy groups and communities focused on desmoid tumor education, including:
- The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation (DTRF)
- Rein In Sarcoma
- National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
- Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration (SARC)
- Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA)
- Northwest Sarcoma Foundation
- Global Genes
SpringWorks Therapeutics is providing these links to help patients find more information about desmoid tumors, but inclusion on this list does not represent an endorsement or a recommendation from SpringWorks for any group or organization. The organizations listed are independent of SpringWorks Therapeutics.
Advocacy Organizations for Information and Support
SpringWorks Therapeutics is providing these links to help patients find more information about desmoid tumors, but inclusion on this list does not represent an endorsement or a recommendation from SpringWorks for any group or organization. The organizations listed are independent of SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc.
Glossary
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