Desmoid Tumors

Diagnosis

Imaging tests

Doctors may use the following imaging tests. In tests that involve radiation, specialists carefully monitor doses to avoid the risk of radiation overexposure.

• Ultrasound. Ultrasound is a painless, noninvasive procedure in which a technician moves a wand-like device (transducer) over the surface of your body. High-frequency sound waves form images on a screen to identify desmoid tumors.
• Computerized tomography (CT). CT scans generate cross-sectional images of the body that can show whether cancer has spread to other tissues or organs.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the area affected by the desmoid tumor. This highly sensitive technology can identify small abnormalities.

Biopsy

Surgery may be needed to get a biopsy sample for accurate diagnosis. After a specialist gathers tissue, a pathologist examines the cells under a microscope to determine if desmoid cells are present. For small tumors, the specialist may remove the entire mass during the biopsy procedure.

Read more about ultrasound, CT scan, MRI and biopsy.