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
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- radiation
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.
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
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- radiation
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
Financial support
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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!
Sources:
Memoral Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors (DSRCTs)
Memoral Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors (DSRCT) Diagnosis
Mayo Clinic - Desmoplastic small round cell tumors
Mayo Clinic - Desmoplastic small round cell tumors diagnosis and treatment
MD Anderson - Desmoplastic small round cell tumors