Desmoplastic Tumors

Diagnosis

Mayo Clinic physicians recognize that accurate and timely diagnosis of DSRCT is critical. Mayo Clinic Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory helps physicians make this accurate diagnosis. In addition, specialists use the following tests and imaging techniques to evaluate and diagnose desmoplastic small round cell tumors:

Fine-Needle Aspiration — A thin needle is inserted into tumor tissue to remove cells for a pathologist to review.

Biopsy — Surgery is performed to gather a tissue sample for accurate diagnosis. After a specialist gathers tissue, a pathologist looks at the cells under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present. For small tumors, the specialist may remove the entire mass during the biopsy procedure.

Ultrasound — Sound waves can be used to form images that identify the presence of a tumor. An ultrasound is performed by placing a probe on the surface of the skin while monitoring the image on the screen. This procedure is noninvasive and painless.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan — Computed tomography (CT) scans generate two-dimensional images of the body that can show whether cancer has invaded other tissues or organs. The CT scanners at Mayo Clinic use modern spiral CT technology (X-ray tube revolves around patient) and several CT scanners use multi-detector row spiral technology. Spiral CT scans produce high-resolution two-dimensional images, while multi-detector row spiral CT scans can create high-resolution three-dimensional images.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan — Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the area affected by the tumor. Highly sensitive, this technology can identify small abnormalities.

PET Scans — Positron emission tomography (PET) is a noninvasive imaging technique that creates three-dimensional images of the heart, brain and other organs of the body.