Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancerous condition that depicts the abnormal proliferation of cancer cells in the soft tissues that connect, support and surround other bodily structures. Soft tissue mainly includes the muscles, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, the lining of your joints and adipose tissue. There are more than 50 subtypes of soft tissue sarcoma; while some are commonly diagnosed in children, others affect older individuals and the elderly. The malignant tumours in the case of soft tissue sarcoma are quite difficult to detect as they are often mistaken for many other types of growth within the bodily tissues.
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This type of sarcoma can occur anywhere in the body, but they are mostly noticed in the arms and legs, and abdomen. The most common treatment for soft tissue sarcoma is surgical removal of the tumour, although radiation and chemotherapy may also be recommended by the oncologist depending on the size, type, location and aggressiveness of the tumour.
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Types
Soft tissue sarcoma can be categorized into the following types:
- Angiosarcoma
- Leiomyosarcoma
- Liposarcoma
- Kaposi's sarcoma
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
- Myxofibrosarcoma
- Rhabdomyosarcoma
- Solitary fibrous tumour
- Epithelioid sarcoma
- Synovial sarcoma
- Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma
- A gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST)
- Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours
Causes
The exact cause of soft tissue sarcomas is still unknown, but scientific studies indicate that it primarily happens when there are certain mutations in the genes of the soft tissue cells, that triggers them to grow abnormally in size and number without perishing on time and causing them to agglomerate leading to the growth of tumorous structures. These malignant tumours can often break free from the original site and gradually metastasize to other parts of the body.
Risk Factors
Certain causative factors that increase the risk of soft tissue sarcoma include:
Age: This type of cancer is more commonly noticed in older adults
Radiation Exposure: People being near radiation or those undergoing radiation therapy are more prone to soft tissue sarcoma
Carcinogenic Impact: Long-term exposure to carcinogenic compounds and harmful chemical substances can aggravate the risk of this type of cancer
Other Cancer Conditions: People who have had a history of other cancerous conditions have higher chances of soft tissue sarcoma
Inherited Diseases: Genetic syndromes like Hereditary retinoblastoma, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Familial adenomatous polyposis, Neurofibromatosis, Tuberous sclerosis and Werner syndrome may increase the risk of soft tissue sarcoma
Weak Immunity: Having a compromised immunity due to HIV or AIDS makes a person prone to soft tissue sarcoma
Other Health Conditions: People who are suffering from lymphedema in their arms or legs for a long time are more susceptible to soft tissue sarcoma
Symptoms
The characteristic signs and symptoms of Soft tissue sarcoma include:
- Formation of a new, noticeable, painless lump anywhere on the body
- Swelling under the skin that grows larger with time and hurts
- Formation of a lump near the lungs that might cause incessant cough or a feeling of breathlessness
- Pain in different parts of the body arising due to the pressure from tumours on the nerves
- Swelling in the stomach
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Feeling full all the time
- Excessive fatigue
- General debility
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sudden weight loss without trying
Diagnosis And Treatment
On noticing any of the above-said indications, do consult an oncologist at the earliest. The doctor usually conducts a thorough physical examination to detect the presence of malignant tumours, acknowledges the patient's medical history, and history of carcinogenic exposures and conducts the following diagnostics:
- Imaging procedures like CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, X-rays, and Ultrasounds
- Fine needle biopsy
- Core biopsy
Treatment
The available treatment plan for Soft Tissue Sarcoma primarily relies on the stage, size, and location of the tumour, and the physical condition of the patient. The treatment includes the following steps:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Clinical trials
- Palliative care
Prevention
The occurrence of soft tissue sarcoma can be reduced to a huge extent by religiously following the preventive measures:
- Opt for a healthy well-balanced diet comprising fresh fruits and vegetables and ample fluids
- Include regular exercises and yoga
- Steer clear of alcohol and tobacco in any form
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit exposure to radiation and carcinogenic compounds and wear protective clothing when near them