[Abdominal wall desmoid tumor--analysis of 42 patients]

Forty two patients with abdominal wall desmoid tumor, including one Gardner's syndrome, are reported. All patients were female except one. The tumor occurred in various sites in the abdominal wall, 66% in the lower abdominal wall. The fascia, sheath and muscle layer were chiefly involved and a very large tumor could invade peritoneum and viscera. This tumor shows aggressive growth and is prone to recurrence. Surgery is the treatment of choice. Local recurrence rate was 5.5%. Abdominal wall desmoid tumor associated colonic polyposis is named Gardner's syndrome. The authors emphasize that a local extended resection should be performed with a safety margin at least 2-3 cm beyond the tumor. Peritoneum, if involved, should be resected together with the primary focus.