If you’re living with a desmoid tumor, you may experience pain that interferes with your daily life. Pain is a possible symptom of desmoid tumors, especially with tumors that spread aggressively into nearby tissues. So, how do you find relief?

In this article, we’ll cover four ways you can relieve pain associated with desmoid tumors. It’s important to work closely with your desmoid tumor health care team to control pain. Together, you can improve your quality of life with desmoid tumors.

Pain as a Symptom of Desmoid Tumors

Desmoid tumors are noncancerous growths that can form anywhere in the body’s connective tissue. Most tumors start out as painless lumps you can feel under your skin. However, some desmoid tumors continue growing and spreading into nearby tissues.

You may experience pain or soreness near the tumor if it begins pressing on muscles, nerves, or blood vessels. Extra-abdominal desmoid tumors form outside the abdomen and can affect the arms, legs, shoulders, and chest wall. Extra-abdominal tumors can impact your mobility, making it harder to move your legs, feet, arms, and hands.

Studies also report that up to 63 percent of people living with desmoid tumors experience chronic pain. If it’s left untreated, chronic pain can lead to other complications, including:

• Trouble sleeping
• Mood problems, including irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression

Don’t Ignore New or Worsening Pain

When living with a desmoid tumor, it’s important to listen to your body. Pay attention to any new pain. Is it near your desmoid tumor, or has it started in a new place? Has your pain become worse over time?

These are all signs that your desmoid tumor may be progressing. It’s a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor or a sarcoma expert (a doctor who specializes in soft tissue tumors). They can run tests to check for tumor growth.

Ways To Relieve Desmoid Tumor Pain

Does desmoid tumor pain affect your everyday life? Consider trying the following approaches to relieve pain and improve your quality of life.

1. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

When you have a headache or fever, you probably reach into your medicine cabinet for a pain reliever. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a treatment option that works by blocking inflammatory chemicals. This helps relieve pain associated with inflammation.

NSAIDs can be used to relieve pain from desmoid tumors. Your doctor can write a prescription for an NSAID like celecoxib (Celebrex) or sulindac. You can also purchase over-the-counter NSAIDs, including:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Aspirin
• Naproxen sodium (Aleve)

NSAIDs are generally safe, but every medication has potential side effects. NSAIDs may cause open sores or ulcers in your stomach and raise your risk of bleeding. After taking an NSAID, eat a snack or meal to reduce the risk of ulcers. Call your doctor if you begin experiencing severe abdominal pain or have blood in your stool or urine.

Your health care team can help you understand the risks and benefits of the specific treatment option they recommend.

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapists are professionals trained to treat a variety of mobility problems. Your surgical or radiation oncologist may recommend that you see a physical therapist after you’ve recovered from desmoid tumor surgery or radiation therapy. Physical therapists teach strengthening and range-of-motion exercises to improve mobility and muscle strength after treatment.

Your doctor can also refer you to physical therapy for treating chronic pain. Physical therapists are experts in strength, flexibility, and body mechanics. They can help you better understand how your body’s soft tissues work and the best ways to relieve related pain. Every person’s chronic pain is unique — your therapist will create a treatment plan that works best for your needs.

3. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a complementary therapy used in traditional Chinese medicine for pain relief. A trained acupuncturist inserts very thin needles into the skin near painful areas to treat symptoms. Acupuncture is especially helpful for treating myofascial pain — pain in the connective tissue surrounding muscles.

It’s important to note that no studies show that acupuncture specifically treats desmoid tumor pain. However, a meta-analysis of 39 studies found that acupuncture is an effective treatment for chronic pain.

If you’re interested in trying acupuncture, look for a certified provider near you. Your doctor can also refer you to a chiropractor trained in acupuncture techniques.

4. Mindfulness and Meditation

Pain and discomfort from desmoid tumors can take a toll on your mental health. Some people find that practicing mindfulness and meditation improves pain and stress. Using these techniques on a regular basis may help you relax and improve desmoid tumor pain.

Not sure where to start on your mindfulness journey? Try this six-minute guided meditation, or look for other examples and mindfulness exercises on YouTube or your favorite music streaming site. Search for practices that specifically aim to relieve pain and stress. Your local library may also offer resources.

Talk to a Pain Specialist

If you’re still having trouble managing pain from your desmoid tumor, talk to your doctor. They can refer you to a provider who specializes in pain management. Your oncology center may have pain specialists on staff. Your desmoid tumor treatment team and pain specialist can work together to tailor a pain-management plan to your individual needs.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyDesmoidTumorTeam is the social network for people with desmoid tumors and their loved ones. On MyDesmoidTumorTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with desmoid tumors.

Have you experienced pain related to desmoid tumors? Do you rely on medical treatment to manage your pain, or have you tried complementary approaches? Share your experience and tips in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.