Desmoid Fibromatosis

Also known as: DF, desmoid tumors, aggressive fibromatosis

What is desmoid fibromatosis?

Desmoid fibromatosis is a condition that causes tumors known as desmoid tumors to grow in the connective tissue of the body, often in the legs, arms or abdomen. Though the tumors are benign (non-cancerous), they tend to grow quickly and may be treated similarly to cancer.

What causes desmoid fibromatosis?

Like most cancers, the root cause of desmoid fibromatosis is due to changes in a cell’s DNA. What specifically causes this change to occur in connective tissue isn’t clear.

What are the symptoms of desmoid fibromatosis?

The most common symptoms of desmoid fibromatosis are a large mass or swelling, pain or loss of function in the affected area. If desmoid fibromatosis impacts the abdomen, the patient may experience nausea and cramping.

How can desmoid fibromatosis affect children?

Desmoid fibromatosis is rare in children but can occur. It presents similarly to desmoid fibromatosis in an adult.

What are desmoid fibromatosis treatments?

If desmoid fibromatosis is growing slowly and not causing symptoms, it may just require careful monitoring without treatment. If the tumors are growing rapidly and leading to symptoms, surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the most common treatments.

---

Reviewed by: Maggie Fader, MD

This page was last updated on: July 29, 2025 04:19 PM