Background: Desmoid tumours are rare benign tumours that have local "malignity". They can be locally aggressive by infiltrating adjacent vascular, nervous and bony structures.
Aim: To define the role of radiotherapy in the management of desmoid tumours.
Methods: Retrospective study of six extra-abdominal desmoid tumours treated with surgery and radiation therapy.
Results: Median age was 26.8 years (16-35 years). The tumor was located in the arm (1 case), in the legs (2 cases) and in the body (3 cases). Median tumoral sizes were 86.6 mm (60-100 mm). Five patients had local recurrence after surgical resection. Radiation therapy included Cobalt 60 in five cases and photons associated to linear acceleration in one case. Total dose was between 54 and 62 Gy. At the end of radiation therapy, tumoral control was obtained in five cases after a median follow-up of 26 months (1-83 months).
Conclusion: Surgery is the main treatment of desmoids tumours but local recurrence rates remain high even after complete resection. The role of adjuvant radiation therapy is controversial.