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Desmoplastic small round cell tumors

What is it?

 

Desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCTs) are a type of soft tissue sarcoma. They are very rare and usually affect young boys and young men between the ages of 10-30.

 

This specific type of soft tissue sarcoma begins in the belly and pelvic region.

 

Diagnosis & Treatment

 

DSRCTs can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms could suggest many different things.

 

If your doctor suspects you or your child may have desmoplastic small round cell tumors, a tissue sample (biopsy) will need to be taken from the inside of the abdomen. This procedure may be done under anasthesia.

 

If the biopsy comes back positive or unclear, the doctor may ask for an imaging test, such as a CT or MRI, to see if the cancer has spread.

 

Treatment of DSRCTs will depend the location and size of the tumors. Your medical team will put together a plan of treatment that will most likely include

 

Depending on the size of the cancer, chemotherapy may be used first to shrink the size(s) of the tumor(s), and then the surgeon will be able to better remove the tumor completely.

 

A specific type of radiation called intensity-modulated radiation is also commonly used with DSRCTs in which multiple beams of radiation at different strengths (intensities) will be aimed at the tumor to break down and kill the tumor without harming the surrounding healthy tissue.

 

What is it?

 

Desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCTs) are a type of soft tissue sarcoma. They are very rare and usually affect young boys and young men between the ages of 10-30.

 

This specific type of soft tissue sarcoma begins in the belly and pelvic region.

 

Diagnosis & Treatment

 

DSRCTs can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms could suggest many different things.

Graphic representation of Desmoplastic small round cell tumors

 

If your doctor suspects you or your child may have desmoplastic small round cell tumors, a tissue sample (biopsy) will need to be taken from the inside of the abdomen. This procedure may be done under anasthesia.

 

If the biopsy comes back positive or unclear, the doctor may ask for an imaging test, such as a CT or MRI, to see if the cancer has spread.

 

Treatment of DSRCTs will depend the location and size of the tumors. Your medical team will put together a plan of treatment that will most likely include

 

Depending on the size of the cancer, chemotherapy may be used first to shrink the size(s) of the tumor(s), and then the surgeon will be able to better remove the tumor completely.

 

A specific type of radiation called intensity-modulated radiation is also commonly used with DSRCTs in which multiple beams of radiation at different strengths (intensities) will be aimed at the tumor to break down and kill the tumor without harming the surrounding healthy tissue.

 

Symptom list:

Desmoplastic small round cell tumors

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Financial support

Not all of us are able to afford the treatment we need. Search your insurance coverage, or check out what charities may be able to offer you for your condition.

p.s. Just because you have insurance, that doesn't mean that charities or other organizations are not able to support you too.

Emotional support

Whether it's a free counseling session or to find someone with a similar diagnosis, these Germie approved charities might be able to help. Click to explore their offerings!

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