Desmoid tumor other imaging findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sara Mohsin, M.D.[2]Faizan Sheraz, M.D. [3]

Overview

Other imaging studies for the diagnosis of desmoid tumor include ultrasonography, which demonstrates tumor size and location. On ultrasonography, desmoid tumors appear as well-defined lesions with variable echogenicity, and ill defined/irregular borders. On color Doppler, desmoids appear like muscles, may be lobulated and may show vascularity. Plain radiographs and angiography may be of diagnostic help in some cases.

Other Imaging Findings

Following different imaging modalities can be helpful in diagnosis of desmoid tumors:^[1]^[2]

Characteristic features of desmoid tumors on different imaging modalities
Imaging modality	Associated characteristic features
Ultrasonography	Ultrasound is a helpful diagnostic study particularly for desmoids involving the chest or abdominal wall On ultrasound, desmoid tumors typically appear as: Oval in shape Homogeneously anechoic or hypoechoic masses (variable echogenicity) Well or poorly defined solid soft tissue masses/lesions Lateral borders may appear ill defined or irregular No central necrosis or calcifications Should not be confused with cystic lesions
Color Doppler	Findings on color Doppler are as follows: Appear like muscles May be lobulated May show vascularity
Plain radiograph	Radiographs may show: A soft-tissue mass Localized periosteal thickening Direct bony destruction/invasion
Angiography	Angiography may show: Arterial stretching Neovascularity Tumor staining

Reference

↑ Economou, Athanasios; Pitta, Xanthi; Andreadis, Efstathios; Papapavlou, Leonidas; Chrissidis, Thomas (2011). “Desmoid tumor of the abdominal wall: a case report”. Journal of Medical Case Reports. 5 (1): 326. doi:10.1186/1752-1947-5-326. ISSN 1752-1947.
↑ Desmoid tumor. Radiopedia(2015) http://radiopaedia.org/articles/aggressive-fibromatosis. Accessed on January 20, 2015

Overview