skip to main content

Desmoid Tumour — SCE Medical Oncology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardSarcomaDesmoid TumourSCE Medical Oncology

A 45-year-old woman presents with a desmoid tumour (aggressive fibromatosis) in the abdominal wall, 8 cm in diameter. It is not causing functional impairment. Biopsy confirms the diagnosis with CTNNB1 (β-catenin) mutation. What is the recommended initial management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Active surveillance (watch and wait)

Current guidelines (ESMO 2024) recommend active surveillance as the initial approach for most desmoid tumours, as approximately 20-30% undergo spontaneous regression and many remain stable. Surgery carries high recurrence rates (25-60%). Systemic therapy (sorafenib, gamma-secretase inhibitors, low-dose chemotherapy) is reserved for progressive or symptomatic tumours. The DESMOID trial and consensus guidelines support this shift away from primary surgery.

Reference: ESMO 2024 Desmoid Tumour Guidelines; Kasper et al Ann Oncol 2017