Clinical and imaging observations of desmoid tumors left without treatment

BACKGROUND: Until now, surgical treatment has been the mainstay in the treatment of desmoid tumors, even though it is associated with a high recurrence rate. There have, however, been occasional case reports showing that desmoid tumors may spontaneously decrease in size or even disappear. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 8 patients with abdominal (5) or extra-abdominal (3) desmoid tumors who were followed both clinically and with imaging techniques (sonography, CT or MRI). Mean follow-up time was 4.4 (0.8-7.5) years. Tumor volume was assessed in each investigation and followed over time. RESULTS: 3 tumors disappeared, 2 diminished in size, 1 did not change and 2 tumors became larger, 1 of which had tripled in volume at the latest follow-up. INTERPRETATION: Desmoid tumors have probably been overtreated in the past. Many of them tend to regress spontaneously.