Desmoid tumours are histologically benign fibrous neoplasms arising from th
e musculoaponeurotic structures throughout the body. They are characterized
as infiltrative, usually well-differentiated firm overgrowths of fibrous t
issue and are locally aggressive. An aggressive clinical behaviour with ten
dency for recurrence makes the treatment of these relatively rare fibrous t
umours difficult. Local recurrence rates are reported as high as 70 per cen
t of cases, the recurrence of desmoid fibromatosis in the head and neck is
difficult to ascertain because of the different classification schemes used
by different authors. A review of cases of desmoid tumours of the head and
neck presented in the last 10 years is reported in this paper. Complete su
rgical excision of desmoid tumours is considered to be the only effective m
ethod of cure by most authorities.