Dr. Francisco Bengoa
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Soft-tissue tumors

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor

Soft tissueIntermediate / locally aggressive or rarely metastasizingFibroblastic / myofibroblastic tumours

Epidemiology

A rare neoplasm of children and young adults that, within this site, is considered when it appears in the pelvis, limbs, or chest wall. Some cases have ALK alterations or other fusions, information that can open up targeted treatment options.

Basic features

It can cause a mass, pain, or inflammatory symptoms; some lesions have ALK alterations or other treatable fusions.

Usual treatment

Resection is preferred when possible; in unresectable or recurrent disease with an ALK rearrangement, the ALK inhibitor crizotinib is an approved targeted option, and ROS1 or NTRK fusions open up other therapies.

Outcomes and prognosis

It can recur and rarely metastasize, so it needs follow-up based on its location and molecular biology.

Warning signs

These signs do not necessarily mean cancer, but they warrant evaluation before operating on or needling a mass.

  • A soft-tissue mass that grows, is larger than 5 cm, or is deep.
  • Persistent, night-time or progressive bone pain, especially if it limits activity.
  • A fracture from minimal trauma, or an aggressive bone lesion on an X-ray.
  • A lump that comes back after previous surgery.
  • Neurological symptoms, rapid swelling, or pain associated with a mass.

This information is general and does not replace a medical evaluation. A musculoskeletal tumor must be interpreted together with imaging, physical examination, biopsy when appropriate and each patient's context.

Specialist evaluation

If you have a mass, a bone lesion or a report suggesting a tumor, book an evaluation.

Book an appointment