Desmoid Tumors Particularly As Related To Their Surgical Removal

Abstract

Desmoid tumors are slow growing and do not metastasize, but they may ultimately undergo sarcomatous degeneration. They are curable by complete removal, but continue to grow when operation is incomplete. They should be removed early so as to prevent the necessity of sacrificing a large part of the abdominal wall. However, even though as much as half of the anterior abdominal wall must be removed to effect a cure, the method described, using fascia lata to replace this structure, has been found most effective. The surrounding parietal peritoneum lends itself to extensive mobilization and for this reason large defects can be completely peritonealized. Attention is called to the regression of a desmoid tumor concomitant with onset of menstruation. No similar case has been found reported in the literature and the significance of this observation has not been determined. This case and three others are outlined in the article.