Extra-abdominal desmoid tumors.

Clinical and imaging observations of desmoid tumors left without treatment

“…At the latest follow-up (2.9 years), the tumor had decreased considerably in size. McDonald 1948, Hunt et al 1960, Enzinger and Shiraki 1967, Das Gupta 1968, Rock et al 1984, Karakousis et al 1993 and is a major problem. For this reason, many alternative treatments have been tried but with varying results.…”

“…In a recent report with a systematic review of published trials, studies and case series, it was noted that almost 50% of patients are likely to respond to chemotherapy (Janinis et al 2003). The mortality rate for desmoid tumor is around 1% (Rock et al 1984); deaths are associated with involvement of vital organs. The natural course of the disease remains obscure.…”

“…Spontaneous disappearance of desmoid tumors has occasionally been reported (Dahn et al 1963, Enzinger and Shiraki 1967, Rock et al 1984. The aim of this report was to assess the clinical and radiological outcome in a series of patients with desmoid tumors that were left without treatment.…”

“…Trauma has been suggested to be an etiologic factor (Penick 1937, Hunt et al 1960, Dahn et al 1963) and sex hormones may affect tumor growth (Reitamo et al 1986). Although surgical treatment is associated with a high local recurrence rate (Rock et al 1984), most authors still consider this to be the treatment of choice.…”

“…Other treatment modalities such as radiation, antihormonal therapy, interferon, cytotoxic drugs, and isolated limb perfusion (ILP) have been tried alone or in combination with surgery but without conclusive effects (Waddell et al 1983, Rock et al 1984, Wilcken and Tattersall 1991, Fernberg et al 1999, Lev-Chelouche et al 1999, Leithner et al 2000, Raguse et al 2004. Spontaneous disappearance of desmoid tumors has occasionally been reported (Dahn et al 1963, Enzinger and Shiraki 1967, Rock et al 1984.…”