Despite being benign, they can be locally aggressive and invasive, meaning they can grow into surrounding tissues and structures.
They typically occur in the connective tissue of the abdomen, although they can develop in other areas including the limbs, head and neck, and the chest wall. They can also be associated with certain genetic conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
The exact cause is not fully understood, but mutations in specific genes, such as the APC gene, have been identified in some cases. Factors that may increase the risk include previous surgery or trauma to the affected area, hormonal changes during pregnancy, and certain genetic predispositions.