Has anyone had success with active surveillance (watch and wait)?
Active surveillance is actually one of the most common and successful approaches for managing desmoid tumors. Many people experience good outcomes with this method.
Here's what makes active surveillance successful for many:
- Some tumors stay stable and never Show Full Answer
Has anyone had success with active surveillance (watch and wait)?
Active surveillance is actually one of the most common and successful approaches for managing desmoid tumors. Many people experience good outcomes with this method.
Here's what makes active surveillance successful for many:
- Some tumors stay stable and never grow enough to cause problems
- Other tumors may actually shrink on their own without any treatment
- It helps avoid unnecessary surgery or medications when the tumor isn't causing harm
During active surveillance, you'll have regular MRI scans every few months to monitor how the tumor behaves. This allows your care team to step in with treatment only if needed.
Doctors often recommend this approach when tumors aren't causing significant symptoms or when the location makes other treatments risky. It's considered the preferred first approach for most desmoid tumors today.
While waiting and watching can feel stressful and create uncertainty about the future, many people find they don't need additional treatment because their tumors remain stable or improve on their own. If your tumor does grow or symptoms worsen, your team can discuss other treatment options at that point.
December 6, 2025
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