Desmoid tumor also called aggressive
fibromatosis due to its similarities with fibrosarcoma which is a malignant
tumour i.e. cancerous in nature. However, the desmoid tumour is benign which
means it is not cancerous as it does not metastasize or spread to other organs
or parts of the body. Desmoid tumours occur in the connective tissues of the
body. They are the tumours of the fibroblast cells, which form connective
tissues and are important for wound healing. Connective tissue supports and
connects the bones, ligaments, and muscles of the body, and helps to hold the
organs in place. The connective tissue is present everywhere in the body and
hence the desmoid tumour can occur anywhere in the body. Desmoid tumour is more
commonly found in females as compared to males.
Desmoid tumour (fibromatosis) usually occurs
in the women during childbearing age. Desmoid tumour usually arises from the
musculoaponeurotic structures of the abdominal wall below the umbilicus.
Sometimes, it originates in an old surgical scar of the abdomen.
Risk factors of the desmoid tumour include:
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Abdominal wall haematoma and
muscular trauma due to stretching of the muscle fibres during the pregnancy.
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Desmoid tumour is found to be
associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (Gardner’s syndrome).
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Some researchers believe that
physical trauma, particularly repeated trauma, might play a role in the
formation of desmoid tumours. For example, some people develop a desmoid tumour
after surgery or chronic injuries.
Desmoid tumour is a slow growing tumour, but
it grows rapidly after undergoing myxomatous changes. Desmoid tumour is so hard
that it creaks on cutting. Desmoid tumour usually invades the adjacent muscles,
but does not metastasise. Recurrence of the desmoid tumour is quite common after
surgery. The recurrent desmoid tumour, known as the recurrent fibroid of Paget,
is more malignant in character than the desmoid tumour.
Desmoid tumour may remain asymptomatic during
early stages of the disease. The symptoms of Desmoid tumour vary depending on
site and size of the tumour. The most common symptom of the desmoid tumor is a
relatively firm mass or lump, which often causes mild pain.
Other symptoms depending on site of the
Desmoid tumour include:
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rectal bleeding
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severe abdominal pain
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localized pain
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stiffness
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limping and other mobility
difficulties
Procedures used to diagnose the desmoid tumour
include Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan and MRI to scan the inside of
the body to better understand the extent of cancer. Also, biopsy i.e taking the
tissue sample to determine if cancer cells are present is performed to detect
the desmoid tumour.
Cancertame is one medicine which can be taken
along with conventional treatment of desmoid tumours which also helps to reduce
the side effects of other treatments such as hormone therapy. It is highly
recommended that patients who are suffering from desmoid tumour should contact
Cancertame Private Limited’s support team at support@cancertame.com
for more information regarding the recommended dosage in their case.