Yes, intrathoracic desmoid tumors (those forming within the chest) do occur, though they are less common than other locations. They fall under the category of extra-abdominal desmoid tumors, which account for about 49% of all desmoid tumor cases.
Chest wall and back desmoid tumors make up roughly 38.5% of extra-abdominal Show Full Answer
Yes, intrathoracic desmoid tumors (those forming within the chest) do occur, though they are less common than other locations. They fall under the category of extra-abdominal desmoid tumors, which account for about 49% of all desmoid tumor cases.
Chest wall and back desmoid tumors make up roughly 38.5% of extra-abdominal desmoid tumors. They can be either:
- Superficial – felt as lumps under the skin
- Intrathoracic – located within the chest cavity
Intrathoracic tumors may cause symptoms when they grow large enough to press on nearby organs, including:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Coughing
Treatment depends on the tumor's specific location within the chest. Since desmoid tumors are so rare, it's really worth connecting with a sarcoma specialist who has experience treating them. They'll be most familiar with the latest treatment options for your specific situation. Members of MyDesmoidTumorTeam have shared how challenging and isolating the diagnosis journey can be — so know that others have walked this path too.
October 21
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