Molecular cytogenetic analysis of chromosome aberrations in desmoid tumors.

To date there are only few reports concerning chromosomal changes in desmoid tumors. To extend the knowledge in this field we examined 19 samples from the patients diagnosed with desmoid tumors. In the present study formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded desmoid tumors were analyzed using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a-satellite probes for chromosomes X, Y, 8 and 20. Chromosomal abnormalities were found in 6 cases, both abdominal and extra-abdominal tumors. FISH studies revealed one case of trisomy 8 and trisomy 20. In four patients we have identified monosomy 20. Our findings confirm earlier reports concerning the diversity of chromosomal changes in desmoid tumors and might suggest that both groups of abdominal and extra-abdominal tumors are genuine neoplasms.