Desmoid tumors are benign and rare tumors that grow in the connective tissues. These tissues connect and support all the bones, muscles, and ligaments to keep the organs in place. These tumors are noncancerous and do not generally cause any symptoms. Mostly occurring in the arms, legs, and abdomen, the tumors can develop in any part of the body. Here are some common causes, symptoms, and management options for desmoid tumors:

1. Desmoid tumor causes
What exactly causes desmoid tumors to develop is not yet known. Yet, many medical experts know that tumors grow when there are DNA changes in the connective tissues. Under normal circumstances, a cell’s DNA has instructions that tell it how to grow, multiply, and die away. But in the case of a desmoid tumor, the DNA instructs the cells to multiply faster than usual. Due to this, a mass of cells, or tumors, develops. This starts to invade and destroy healthy tissues.

The changes in the DNA of the connective tissue do not occur randomly. Usually, there are several risk factors involved. However, these only influence the growth of the tumor and do not directly cause it. Many people who have several risk factors may never develop desmoid tumors. Yet, some people with no known risk factors may be diagnosed with the tumor. In either case, knowing the risk factors can help individuals seek timely medical intervention and take the necessary precautions. Some of the common factors that generally increase the possibility of a person having a desmoid tumor include the following:

• Age
  It has been observed that desmoid tumors occur in adults who are between 20 and 40 years old. Younger children and seniors are rarely diagnosed with this form of tumor.
  
• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
  This genetic condition causes numerous growths, or polyps, to develop in the colon. It occurs due to a genetic mutation and is often hereditary. Many people with preexisting familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are known to have a higher risk of desmoid tumors.
• Pregnancy
  In rare cases, a desmoid tumor may grow during and after pregnancy.
• Injury
  People who have undergone surgery or a severe injury may also have a small risk of developing desmoid tumors.

2. Desmoid tumor symptoms
Most of the time, desmoid tumors have been observed to have developed in the soft tissues of the body. Yet, in some cases, those with desmoid tumors do not experience any kind of symptoms or signs. Still, the symptoms that usually occur depend on where the tumor starts and its size. Generally, desmoid tumors manifest with one or multiple symptoms or signs.

One of the first signs of desmoid tumors is the growth of a firm, painless lump. This is often in the form of swelling that occurs in the chest, neck, abdomen, arm, or leg. Some people often experience pain at the site of these lumps. If the lumps appear to be bigger than two inches or continue to grow in size, it is best to talk to a primary care doctor.

Since desmoid tumors usually grow within flexible and elastic tissues or in deep spaces of the body, the tumor pushes normal tissue and continues to grow. If the tumor grows in the legs and hands and starts to become large with the condition progressing to advanced stages, a person may start to experience these symptoms:

• Consistent pain or soreness is caused by the desmoid tumor, which puts pressure on nearby blood vessels, muscles, and nerves.
• Feeling pins and needles or a tingling sensation in the areas where the tumor puts strain on blood vessels and nerves
• Limping and experiencing difficulties in moving feet or legs
• The range of motion and movement of hands and arms become restricted.

The above symptoms are also observed in cases where desmoid tumors develop in the abdomen. In addition, these other symptoms may also occur as the tumor starts to affect the digestive system and bowel movements:

• Bloating
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Rupture of the intestines

3. Management options for desmoid tumors
Once a desmoid tumor has been diagnosed, a doctor will recommend a treatment plan. This usually depends on how far the tumor has grown and in which location. This means the type of treatment may differ depending on whether the tumor has developed in the abdomen, chest, hands, or legs. In each of these cases, a healthcare provider will treat the condition in a way that is similar to how cancerous tumors are treated. In most cases, surgery is generally a standard treatment. It usually involves the removal of the tumor. Apart from this, other forms of treatment include the following:

• Active surveillance
  This involves watchful waiting if the tumor develops but does not grow too much. As a result, there are no symptoms that need to be managed.
• Targeted therapy
  In this, specific genes or proteins are targeted. These proteins are involved in the growth of tumors.
• Cryoablation
  When surgery is not an option, a medical team usually recommends cryoablation.
• Chemotherapy
  This is usually an intravenous treatment option that is used to shrink or destroy the tumors.