Desmoplastic small round cell tumors

Overview

Desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCT) is a rare type of cancer that usually starts at the tissue lining of the abdomen or pelvis (peritoneum). It is a type of soft tissue sarcoma (cancer that develops in the connective tissues of the body). Sometimes, it may also be detected in other areas of the body. The cancer cells may spread rapidly to organs that are nearby such as the liver, bladder and colon. It is commonly found in white younger men and boys.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms are manifested based on where is the affected area. As it is most commonly found in the abdomen, symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficult urination

If these symptoms persist and it worries you, consult your doctor.

Causes

The cause of desmoplastic small round cell tumors is unclear. The cancer starts when the cell’s DNA undergo mutation which instructs the cells to divide rapidly forming a tumor. These cancer cells can damage other healthy areas or may later on spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).