Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Overview

Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that originates in the body’s soft tissues. These connective and supportive tissues include muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and linings of the joints. Soft tissue sarcoma can occur anywhere in the body, but it most commonly affects the arms, legs, and abdomen. With over 50 different subtypes, this complex disease presents unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment.

Types of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

1. Angiosarcoma: Arises from blood vessel lining cells.
2. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: Slow-growing tumor affecting the skin’s deep layers.
3. Epithelioid sarcoma: Affects soft tissues and tends to recur locally.
4. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST): Originates in the gastrointestinal tract, often in the stomach.
5. Kaposi sarcoma: Associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) and commonly seen in people with weakened immune systems.
6. Leiomyosarcoma: Develops in smooth muscle tissue lining hollow organs.
7. Liposarcoma: Arises from fatty tissue and has various subtypes.
8. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors: Originate in the peripheral nervous system.
9. Myxofibrosarcoma: Affects fibrous tissue and tends to recur.
10. Rhabdomyosarcoma: Primarily occurs in children and adolescents.

Causes of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Radiation Exposure: Prior radiation therapy for other cancers increases the risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma.

Risk Factors of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

• Family Cancer Syndromes:
  • Neurofibromatosis: Genetic disorder leading to benign tumors (neurofibromas) that may transform into sarcomas.
  • Gardner syndrome: Associated with mutations in the APC gene and an increased risk of soft tissue sarcomas.

Symptoms of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Preventions of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

• No specific prevention strategies exist.
• Early detection through regular check-ups and self-examination is crucial.

Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

• Biopsy: Essential for confirming the diagnosis.
• Imaging: X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and PET scans help assess tumor size and location.
• Staging: Determines the extent of disease spread.
• Genetic Testing: Identifies specific mutations.

Treatment for Soft Tissue Sarcoma

1. Surgery: Primary treatment to remove the tumor.
2. Radiation Therapy: Used before or after surgery to target remaining cancer cells.
3. Chemotherapy: May be recommended for certain subtypes.
4. Targeted Therapy: GISTs respond well to targeted drugs.
5. Clinical Trials: Explore novel treatments.
6. Follow-Up Care: Regular check-ups to monitor recurrence and manage side effects.

When to seek medical attention ?

If you notice any unusual lumps, swelling, or persistent pain, seek medical evaluation promptly.