[Desmoid tumours in the abdominal wall].

Desmoid tumours are benign tumours originating from musculoaponeurotic structures and the fascia. They usually are slow-growing, without metastatic potential. However, their local behaviour can be infiltrative and aggressive, leading to damage of adjacent structures causing organ dysfunction. They carry a high risk of relapse. In this paper, three case studies of women aged 33, 35 and 42 years, respectively, illustrate the presentation, diagnostics and therapy of abdominal desmoid tumours. All three were surgically treated and recovered. Desmoid tumours occur most commonly in fertile women. Although the etiology is unknown, there is a correlation with scar tissue, pregnancy and radiotherapy. Abdominal desmoid tumours have the lowest relapse rate of all desmoid tumours. In toto resection is the treatment of choice. Radiotherapy in addition to surgery may be considered when risk of relapse is high.