Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) can be defined as a rare type of soft tissue cancer that usually begins in the soft tissues of the human body that connect, support and surround other bodily structures and organs including the blood vessels, nerves, tendons, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, the lining of your joints and the adipose tissue. 
pleomorphic sarcoma

The name of the condition ‘undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma’ is made of two words where the word ‘undifferentiated’ means that the malignant cells differ from the cells of the body tissues in which they develop, and the word ‘pleomorphic’ means that the cells grow in multiple shapes and sizes.

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The treatment for UPS usually relies on the location of the cancer in the human body, and involves surgery, radiation and drug treatments.

Causes 

While the exact cause of Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma is still unknown, several scientific studies indicate that it chiefly arises when there are certain mutations in the genes of the soft tissue cells, that stimulates them to grow abnormally in size and number without dying on time like the regular ones and causing them to amass leading to the growth of tumorous structures. These cancerous tumours can often get loose from the original site and gradually metastasize to other parts of the body. Some studies also claim that radiation therapy that is used to kill a different form of cancer might lead to soft tissue sarcoma in the same part.

Also Read: Rhabdomyosarcoma: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Risk Factors:

Certain causative factors that aggravate the chances of Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma include:

Age: This type of cancer is more commonly detected in older individuals

Radiation Exposure: People being near radiation or those undergoing radiation therapy for some other types of cancer are more at risk of getting Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma sarcoma

Carcinogenic Impact: Exposure to carcinogenic compounds and other harmful chemical substances daily can make a person prone to this type of cancer

Other Cancer Conditions: People who have had a history of other cancerous conditions have increased incidence of Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma

Weak Immunity: Having a depreciated immunity due to HIV or AIDS increases the risk of Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma

Symptoms 

The characteristic indications of Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma include:

  • The appearance of a new, visible, painless lump anywhere on the body
  • Formation of a painful swelling under the skin that grows larger with time
  • Incessant pain in different parts of the body ensuing due to the pressure from growing tumours pressing on the nerves
  • Formation of a lump near the lungs that might cause chronic cough, a feeling of breathlessness and tremors
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation
  • Feeling of fullness all the time
  • Chronic fatigue
  • General debility
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sudden unexplained weight loss without trying
  • Fever

Diagnosis And Treatment 

If you notice any of the afore-mentioned indications, do consult an oncologist at the earliest. The doctor usually conducts a thorough physical examination by feeling every part of the body to detect the presence of swellings and tumours, acknowledges the patient's medical history, and history of exposures to carcinogens and radiations and conducts the following diagnostics: 

  • Imaging tests like MRI scans, PET scans, CT scans, X-rays, and Ultrasounds
  • Fine needle biopsy
  • Core biopsy

Treatment

The available treatment plan for Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma chiefly depends on the stage, size, and location of the tumour, and the physical condition of the patient. The treatment comprises of the following steps:

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Clinical trials
  • Palliative care

Prevention

The risk of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma can be diminished to a huge extent by religiously maintaining the preventive measures:

  • Follow a healthy well-balanced diet including fresh fruits and vegetables and ample fluids
  • Perform regular exercises and yoga
  • Limit intake of alcohol and tobacco in any form
  • Prevent obesity by maintaining a healthy weight
  • Limit getting exposed to radiation and carcinogenic compounds and wear protective clothing when near them