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A MyDesmoidTumorTeam Member asked a question 💭

Had tumor removed to be biopsied and it came back within weeks and is bigger, now need to see oncology at a specialist hospital hours away. Has anyone had it grow just over spine and your experience with that? It constantly hurts and I'm nervous of it growing into my spine at this point.

December 16, 2025
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MyDesmoidTumorTeam

Has anyone experienced a desmoid tumor on their lower back near the spine?

Yes, desmoid tumors can develop in the back area. Back desmoid tumors make up a portion of extra-abdominal tumors (those outside the abdomen), which can appear in various locations including the back, chest wall, neck, head, and extremities.

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Has anyone experienced a desmoid tumor on their lower back near the spine?

Yes, desmoid tumors can develop in the back area. Back desmoid tumors make up a portion of extra-abdominal tumors (those outside the abdomen), which can appear in various locations including the back, chest wall, neck, head, and extremities.

Your concern about the tumor growing near your spine is understandable. Desmoid tumors are known as "aggressive fibromatosis" because they can grow into surrounding tissues and structures. While they don't spread to distant parts of the body like cancer, they can press on nearby organs, nerves, or bones, causing pain and discomfort. Why did your tumor return so quickly?

Unfortunately, it's common for desmoid tumors to return after treatment, especially after surgery. Research shows tumors can grow back in 20 to 80 percent of people who have had surgery to remove them. The rapid regrowth you're experiencing, while distressing, is a known characteristic of these tumors.

This is why surgery is no longer the first-line treatment for desmoid tumors in many cases. Sometimes removing a tumor can lead to it returning as multiple smaller tumors. What to expect with the specialist

Seeing an oncology specialist who has experience with desmoid tumors is important. These tumors are rare, and many healthcare providers haven't encountered them before. A specialist can offer treatment options beyond surgery, such as:

- Active surveillance (monitoring without immediate treatment)
- Medical therapy/medications
- Radiation therapy
- Other localized treatments

The specialist will likely use imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to monitor your tumor and develop a treatment plan tailored to your situation.

December 16, 2025

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A MyDesmoidTumorTeam Member asked a question 💭
Fairbury, IL