title: The desmoid tumor. IV. Choice of treatment, results, and complications.
abstract: We analyzed the results of treatment in 89 cases of desmoid tumor (DT) with a follow-up period of 9.3 +/- 5.9 years. After surgical removal, the frequency of recurrence was equal, regardless of whether a complete removal of the tumor was obtained or not. After combined operation and radiotherapy, recurrence was higher. A higher frequency of recurrences was observed in extraabdominal (45%) v abdominal (10%) DTs. Recurrence was particularly high in the juvenile variety (70%), and low in the DTs of fertile women (11%). If a recurrence followed the first operation, multiple recurrences were the rule. Spontaneous regression was observed in 4% of the cases. The results emphasize that the basic biologic characteristics of this rare neoplasm have a greater impact on the results than the operation itself. A simple excision at the primary operation is recommended.
mesh_terms: D000008:Abdominal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005350:Fibroma / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D005354:Fibrosarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009365:Neoplasm Regression, Spontaneous; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence