Desmoid tumors of the head and neck: A therapeutic challenge
Year: 2013
Type: review
Abstract: Desmoid tumor, or aggressive fibromatosis, is a rare, histologically benign, fibroblastic lesion that infrequently presents in the head and neck. Desmoid tumors often grow locally, invasively, and may, in rare instances, be fatal secondary to invasion into critical structures, such as airway or major vessels. The most common treatment is surgery, but desmoid tumors are characteristically associated with a high local recurrence rate after resection. Although the margin status seems to be of importance, operations that avoid function loss and esthetic disfigurement should be the primary goal. The efficacy of postoperative radiotherapy is controversial. Its potential benefit should be carefully balanced against possible radiation-induced adverse effects. Alternative treatment modalities, such as primary radiotherapy and medical treatment or a wait-and-see policy, may be preferable to mutilating surgery. Considering all the aforementioned, it seems obvious that desmoid tumors of the head and neck present a therapeutic challenge and require an individualized approach.
Source: Head & Neck
DOI: 10.1002/hed.23496
Institutions: University Hospital of Heraklion, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen, Radboud University Medical Center, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, University of Florida Health, University of Florida, Mayo Clinic Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, University of Udine, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Language: English
Subfield: Rheumatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2166976313