The desmoid tumor. IV. Choice of treatment, results, and complications.

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.