Desmoid tumors of the right rectus abdominus muscle in postpartum women.

BACKGROUND: Desmoid tumors are benign neoplasms that most often arise from muscle aponeurosis and have been associated with both trauma and pregnancy. The etiology of desmoids has not been determined. CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS: We present here four almost identical cases with desmoids occurring in the same location, the right rectus abdominus muscle in young post partum females. All were over the age of 30 at the time of diagnosis. Three of them had previously used oral contraceptive agents for an average of 3 years. None had a history of trauma to the area of involvement. Three had early surgical resection and one was treated with tamoxifen and imatinib without response and then had surgical resection. DISCUSSION: All four patients are disease free at a median follow-up of 2.5 years. The possible etiology of desmoids tumors in this location in postpartum females is discussed.