What causes desmoid tumors?

What causes desmoid tumors?

A desmoid tumor forms when a connective tissue cell develops changes in its DNA. But experts aren’t sure what causes this process to begin with. Most desmoid tumors are associated with a mutation of the CTNNB1 gene, and many of these appear during or after pregnancy. Some desmoid tumors are linked to previous injuries. In rare instances, desmoid tumors are associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a genetic condition that’s linked to colon cancer. Approximately 10% of people with FAP develop a desmoid tumor at some point in their lives.