Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor?
An oncologist is a doctor who treats tumors and cancer, and this is the specialist who usually manages an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. A surgeon often removes the tumor, and a pathologist studies the tissue. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
An inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a rare growth made of muscle-like cells and immune cells. Doctors call it an IMT for short. Most of these tumors are not cancer, which means they usually do not spread to other parts of the body. A small number can act like cancer, so doctors watch them closely.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on where the tumor is growing. Many people have no symptoms at all, and the tumor is found by accident during a scan for something else. When symptoms do happen, they can include a lump or swelling, pain in the belly, fever, weight loss, or feeling very tired.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not know exactly what causes these tumors. Many of them have a change in a gene called ALK, which is a set of instructions inside cells that controls how they grow. The tumors can happen at any age, but they are more common in children and young adults.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors use imaging scans such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI to find the tumor and see its size. A biopsy, which means taking a small sample of tissue, is needed to confirm the diagnosis, and tests can check for the ALK gene change.
Treatment
Surgery to remove the tumor is the main treatment and often cures it. When surgery is not possible or the tumor returns, doctors may use medicines that target the ALK gene change.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you notice a lump or swelling, ongoing belly pain, blood in the urine, or a cough that does not go away. Unexplained fever, weight loss, or lasting tiredness should also be checked.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor, who charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, or a concierge doctor, who usually charges more and often works alongside insurance, can be a steady partner during care. These doctors can order the first imaging tests, check symptoms, and refer you to an oncologist or surgeon when a tumor is suspected. After treatment, a direct primary care or concierge doctor can handle follow-up visits, manage other health needs, and coordinate with the specialists over time.
Common questions
Is an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor cancer?
Most of these tumors are not cancer and do not spread to other parts of the body. A small number can behave more like cancer. Doctors study the tumor cells to figure out how it is likely to act.
Can the tumor come back after surgery?
Yes, some tumors can return after they are removed. This is why doctors schedule follow-up visits and imaging tests. The chance of it coming back differs from person to person.
Is this tumor passed down in families?
No, it is not usually inherited from parents. The gene change linked to these tumors happens in the tumor cells themselves. Family members do not need special screening because of one person's diagnosis.
Can children get this tumor?
Yes, children and young adults get these tumors more often than older adults. They are still rare in all age groups. Children are usually treated by doctors who specialize in childhood tumors.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
