DESMOID TUMORS - TRIVIAL PROBLEM WITH SEVERE CONSEQUENCES

Desmoid tumours are rare benign lesions with an important local invasive potential and high risk of recurrence. The reported incidence is low, and the diagnosis is made in young women with an abdominal mass. Estrogen levels, a history of trauma and Gardner's syndrome have been incriminated. The defect of the entire thickness of the abdominal wall was reconstructed with a graft of marlex in three cases. The aggresive behavior of these three cases, and diagnosis of eight extraperitoneal cases in a short period of two years prompted us to review the features of the disease.