TREATMENT OF DESMOID TUMOR

BACKGROUND: The desmoid tumor is a histologically benign neoplasm orig inating in muscular-aponeurotic structures and possesses a high tenden cy of local recurrence. The aggressive nature of the tumor obliges rad ical surgery to be performed principally in extra-abdominal tumors. ME THODs: Twelve patients were treated from 1983 to 1993. The treatments performed prior to and after histologic diagnosis, the time of evoluti on when radical treatment was carried out upon diagnosis and the evolu tion after treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the patients with des moid tumor 8 were males with a mean age of 29.9 +/- 12.5 years. In ele ven cases the presentation was as a tumor and was of pain in only one case. All the patients were surgically treated with a total of 27 inte rventions being carried out. Three patients also received pharmacologi c treatment with tamoxifen, in 2 cases associated to sulindac. In two radiotherapy was used but not as a first line treatment. Following a m ean follow up of 38 +/- 17 months no mortality has been registered but 5 patients are not disease free. CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic attitud e to the desmoid tumor should be radical surgery in both the primary t umor and the recurrences with medical treatment being performed in spe cific situations.