Overview
Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that originates in the body's soft tissues, which include muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and the lining of joints. It can occur anywhere in the body and affects people of all ages. More than 50 types of soft tissue sarcoma exist, and they can be difficult to diagnose as they may resemble other types of growths. Treatment usually involves surgery, and other options may include radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Symptoms may not appear initially but can include the presence of a lump, bone pain, abdominal pain, weight loss, and other indicators.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
Soft tissue sarcoma may not cause any symptoms at first. As the cancer grows, it may cause a noticeable lump or swelling. The growth may or may not be painful, and it may press on nerves or muscles, causing pain. Other symptoms can include bone pain, a broken bone that happens unexpectedly, abdominal pain, and weight loss. If you have any symptoms that worry you, it's important to make an appointment with your healthcare team.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for developing soft tissue sarcoma include inherited syndromes, radiation therapy for cancer, chronic swelling (lymphedema), exposure to chemicals, and exposure to viruses. Inherited syndromes such as familial retinoblastoma and neurofibromatosis type 1 can increase the risk. Radiation therapy for cancer, chemical exposure, and viral infections like human herpesvirus 8 can also contribute to the development of soft tissue sarcoma.
Development
Soft tissue sarcomas develop when the cells in the body's soft tissues grow abnormally and form a growth, called a tumor. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The abnormal growth is caused by changes in the DNA of the connective tissue cells, which cause them to continue growing and dividing instead of stopping as healthy cells do. The type of soft tissue sarcoma is determined by the type of cell affected and the specific DNA changes that occur. There are more than 50 types of soft tissue sarcoma, and they can occur anywhere in the body, commonly in the arms, legs, and belly. The symptoms may not be present at first, but as the tumor grows, it may cause noticeable lumps or swellings, pain if the growth presses on nerves or muscles, and other signs. The causes of most soft tissue sarcomas are not clear, but certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if you have any symptoms that worry you, such as a noticeable lump or swelling that may or may not be painful, bone pain, a broken bone that happens unexpectedly, abdominal pain, or weight loss. These symptoms may indicate the presence of soft tissue sarcoma. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have soft tissue sarcoma, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
Diagnosis
To diagnose soft tissue sarcoma, a combination of imaging tests and procedures to remove a sample of cells for testing are used. Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and Positron emission tomography (PET) scans help create pictures of the inside of the body to show the size and location of the soft tissue sarcoma. A biopsy is then performed to remove a sample of cells for testing. This can be done through a core needle biopsy, where a needle is used to remove tissue samples from the cancer, or a surgical biopsy, where a larger sample of tissue is removed surgically. The biopsy sample is then sent to a lab for testing by pathologists to determine if the cells are cancerous and to gather more information about the cancer cells. It is important to seek care at a medical center that has experienced health care teams to ensure the best type of biopsy procedure is selected.
Management and Treatment
Home Remedies
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue sarcoma, as this type of cancer typically requires medical intervention.
Treatment
Soft tissue sarcoma is typically treated with surgery, although other treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used as well. Treatment decisions depend on factors such as the size, type, and location of the cancer, as well as how quickly it is growing.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for soft tissue sarcoma, you should:
- Write down any symptoms you have, including those that may seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment.
- Make a list of all medications, vitamins, or supplements you're currently taking.
- Bring a family member or friend along for support and to help remember information discussed during the appointment.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor, e.g., asking about the diagnosis, types of sarcoma, stage, recommended treatments, potential side effects, clinical trials, managing other health conditions, prognosis, and any relevant printed materials or websites. Finding a specialist experienced in treating soft tissue sarcoma is crucial, as this type of cancer is rare and best managed by healthcare professionals with specific expertise in the field.