Description

Soft tissue Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that begins as a growth of the cells in the body's soft tissues. The soft tissues that connect, support and surround other body structures. The soft tissues include muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons and the linings of the joints.

Soft tissue Sarcoma can occur anywhere in the body. Occurs most often in the arms, legs, and belly.

More than 50 types of soft tissue sarcoma exist. Some types are more likely to affect children. Others affect mostly adults. These types of cancer can be difficult to diagnose because they may be confused with many other types of tumors.

Soft tissue Sarcoma treatment usually consists of surgery. Other treatments may include radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The treatment depends on the size, type and location of the cancer, and the speed with which it grows.

Symptoms

A soft tissue sarcoma may not cause any symptoms at first. As the cancer grows, it can cause:

  • A noticeable lump or swelling.
  • The pain, if the growth exerts pressure on the nerves or muscles.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your health care team if you have any symptoms that worry you.

Causes

It is not clear what the cause of the majority of soft tissue sarcomas.

Soft tissue Sarcoma is initiated when one of the cells of the connective tissue has changes in their DNA. A cell's DNA contains the instructions that tell a cell what to do. The shift changes of the connective tissue cells in the cancer cells. The changes, to tell the cancer cell to grow and make more cells. Healthy cells die as part of their natural cycle, but cancer cells continue to grow, because there are no instructions to stop.

The cancer cells in the form of growth, called a tumor. In some types of soft-tissue sarcoma, the cancer cells stay in one place. Continue to make more cells and cause the larger tumor. In other types of sarcoma of soft tissue, cancer cells can break off and spread to other parts of the body.

The type of cell with the DNA of the changes is what determines the type of soft tissue sarcoma. For example, angiosarcoma begins in cells in the lining of the blood vessels, while the liposarcoma begins in the fat cells.

Some types of soft tissue sarcoma include:

  • Angiosarcoma.
  • Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.
  • Epithelioid Sarcoma.
  • Gastrointestinal stromal Tumor (GIST).
  • Kaposi's sarcoma.
  • Leiomyosarcoma.
  • The Liposarcoma.
  • Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.
  • Myxofibrosarcoma.
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma.
  • Solitary fibrous tumors.
  • Synovial sarcoma.
  • Undifferentiated pleomorphic Sarcoma.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase the risk of sarcoma include:

  • Hereditary syndromes. A risk of soft tissue sarcoma can run in families. Genetic syndromes that increase the risk of retinoblastoma inherited Li-Fraumeni syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, and Werner syndrome.
  • The exposure to chemical substances. Being exposed to certain chemicals may increase the risk of soft tissue sarcomas. These chemicals include herbicides, arsenic and dioxins.
  • The exposure to radiation. Radiation therapy for other types of cancer can increase the risk of soft tissue sarcomas.

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose soft tissue sarcoma include imaging tests and procedures to remove a sample of cells for testing.

Imaging tests

Imaging tests create pictures of the inside of the body. They can help show the size and location of the soft tissue sarcomas. Examples include:

  • The x-rays.
  • The computed tomography scan.
  • The MRI scans.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET).

The removal of a sample of tissue for testing

A procedure to extract some cells for the test is called a biopsy. A biopsy for soft tissue sarcoma should be done in a way that does not cause problems with the future of the surgery. For this reason, it is a good idea to seek care at a medical center that you see many people with this type of cancer. Experienced health care teams to select the best type of biopsy.

Types of biopsy procedures for soft tissue sarcoma include:

  • Core needle biopsy. This method uses a needle to remove tissue samples from the cancer. The doctors usually try to take samples from various parts of the cancer.
  • Surgical biopsy. In some cases, your doctor may suggest surgery to obtain a larger sample of tissue.

The biopsy sample goes to a lab for analysis. Doctors who specialize in the analysis of the blood and the tissue of the body, called pathologists, will test the cells to see if they are cancerous. Other tests in the laboratory show more details about the cancer cells, such as what type of cells they are.

Treatment

Treatment options for soft tissue sarcoma will depend on the size, type and location of the cancer.

Surgery

Surgery is a common treatment for soft-tissue sarcoma. During the surgery, the surgeon usually removes the cancer and some healthy tissue around it.

Soft tissue Sarcoma often affects the arms and legs. In the past, surgery to remove an arm or a leg was common. Today, other approaches are used, when possible. For example, radiation, and chemotherapy can be used to reduce the size of the cancer. That way the cancer can be removed without the need to remove the entire limb.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. The energy can come from X-rays, protons, and other sources. During radiation therapy, you lie on a table while a machine moves around you. The machine directs radiation at specific points in the body.

Radiation therapy may be used:

  • Prior to the surgery. Radiation before surgery can reduce the size of a tumor to make it easier to remove.
  • During the surgery. The radiation during surgery allows more radiation to be delivered directly to the target area. This can prevent the healthy tissue around the target area.
  • After the surgery. The radiation may be used after surgery to destroy any cancer cells that remain.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses strong drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs are often given through a vein, although some are available in pill form. Some types of soft tissue sarcoma respond better to chemotherapy than others. For example, chemotherapy is often used to treat the condition.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy uses drugs that attack specific chemicals in cancer cells. By blocking these chemicals, specific treatments can cause cancer cells to die. The cancer cells can be tested to see if the targeted therapy may be useful to you. This treatment works well for some types of sarcoma of soft tissues, such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors, also called the Gist .

Coping and support

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. With the time you're going to find ways to cope with the distress and uncertainty of cancer. Until then, you can find help for:

  • Learn enough about sarcoma to make decisions about your care. Ask your health care team about your soft tissue sarcoma. Discuss your treatment options. If you want, ask about their prognosis. As you learn more, you can be more confident in making treatment choices.
  • Keep friends and family close. Keep your close relationships strong will help you deal with soft tissue sarcoma. Friends and family can provide support, including the care of your home, if you're in the hospital. It can give you emotional support when you feel overwhelmed by the cancer.
  • Find someone to talk to. Find a good listener who is willing to listen to you talk about your hopes and fears. This can be a friend or family member. Meeting with a counselor, medical social worker, clergy member or cancer support group may also be useful.

Preparing for your appointment

Make an appointment with your regular doctor or another health professional if you have any symptoms that worry you. If your doctor thinks you could have soft tissue sarcoma, is more likely to be referred to a cancer doctor called an oncologist. Soft tissue Sarcoma is rare and is best treated by someone who has experience with it. Doctors with this kind of experience is often found within an academic or specialized cancer center.

What you can do

  • Write down the symptoms that you have. This includes any symptoms that may seem independent of the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
  • Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you are taking.
  • Ask a family member or friend to come with you. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided during an appointment. Someone who comes with you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
  • Write questions to ask their doctor.

Prepare a list of questions can help you make the most of your appointment time. A list of questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For soft-tissue sarcoma, some basic questions to ask include:

  • Do I have cancer?
  • There are other possible causes of the symptoms?
  • What kinds of tests do I need to confirm the diagnosis? Do these tests require any special preparation?
  • What type of kaposi I have?
  • What stage is it?
  • What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
  • It may be that the cancer can be removed?
  • What types of side effects can I expect from treatment?
  • There are clinical trials available?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions?
  • What is my prognosis?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What sites do you recommend?
  • There are other specialists who should I meet with my cancer?

What to expect from your doctor

Be prepared to answer some basic questions about your symptoms and your health. The questions may include:

  • When did you first notice your symptoms?
  • Are you experiencing pain?
  • Nothing seems to improve the symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
  • Do you have any family history of cancer? If so, do you know what kind of cancer?
Symptoms and treatment of Soft tissue sarcoma