Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare form of cancer that arises in the soft tissues of the body. While it may not be as well-known as other types of cancer, understanding soft tissue sarcoma cancer is crucial for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment.

In this blog, we will delve into the causes, types, symptoms, and treatment options for soft tissue sarcoma, shedding light on this often-overlooked disease.

Understanding Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Definition and Prevalence

Soft tіssue sarcomas are a group of cancers that affect muscles, fat, blood vessеls, nеrves, tendons, and deep skin tissues. It makes up only 1% of all adult cancеrs, making іt comparatively rare. However, it can impact people of all ages, even children.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of soft tissue sarcoma cancer remain largely unknown. However, several factors have been identified as potential contributors. Known risk factors for soft tissue sarcoma cancer include genetіc mutatіons, changes in specific genes, radіatіon exposurе, specіfіc gеnеtic dіsorders, and prior cancer treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Types of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Overview of Major Types

Soft tissue sarcoma cancer encompasses various subtypes, each originating from different types of soft tissues. Some of the most common types include:

Liposarcoma

Liposarcoma develops from fat tissues and typically occurs in the extremities or in the abdominal cavity. It can be categorised into well-differentiated, myxoid/round cell, pleomorphic, and dedifferentiated subtypes.

Leiomyosarcoma

Arising from smooth muscle cells, leiomyosarcoma commonly affects the uterus, gastrointestinal tract, and blood vessels. It may also occur in other soft tissues.

Rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma predominantly affects children and originates from immature skeletal muscle cells. It commonly manifests in the head and neck region, urinary or reproductive organs, or extremities.

Synovial Sarcoma

Synovial sarcoma primarily develops near the joints, particularly in the arms and legs. Despite its name, it does not arise from synovial tissues but rather from soft tissues around the joints.

Angiosarcoma

Angiosarcoma arises from the cells that line blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. It can occur in various locations, including the skin, breast, liver, and deep tissues.

Subtypes and Variants

Beyond the major types mentioned above, soft tissue sarcoma comprises a range of less common subtypes and variants. Examples include malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours, fibrosarcoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and epithelioid sarcoma. Each subtype exhibits distinct characteristics and requires tailored treatment approaches.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma Symptoms and Diagnosis

Early Soft Tissue Sarcoma Symptoms

Detecting soft tissue sarcoma in its early stages can be challenging as soft tissue sarcoma symptoms often mimic other conditions. However, some common signs to watch for include the presence of a noticeable lump or swelling, pain or tenderness in the affected area, limited range of motion, and an increase in size over time.

Diagnostic Process

When soft tissue sarcoma is suspected, a comprehensive diagnostic process is essential. It typically involves a combination of:

Physical Examination and Medical History

The doctor will conduct a thorough physical test , examining the affected area and assessing the patient's medical history to identify potential risk factors.

Imaging Tests

Doctors use various іmagіng techniques like magnеtic resonance іmagіng (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and posіtron еmission tomography (PET) scan to visualіzе the soft tissue tumour, ascertain its sіzе and location, and evaluatе potеntial metastasis.

Biopsy and Histopathology Analysis

A biopsy includes the removal of a tissue sample from the soft tissue tumour, which is then examined by a pathologist. This analysis helps confirm the diagnosis, determine the specific type and grade of sarcoma, and guide treatment decisions.

Treatment Options

Surgical Intervention

Treatment for soft tissue sarcomas іs not complete without surgery. The main objective of surgery is to remove the soft tissue tumour while prеsеrving function and reducing the chance of recurrence.

Surgical options include wide local excision, which involves removing the tumour & margin of surrounding healthy tissue, and limb-sparing surgery, which preserves the affected limb whenever possible.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is often used alongside surgery or as a standalone treatment for soft tissue sarcoma. It includes the use of high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. External beam radiation and brachytherapy, a technique involving the placement of radioactive material near the soft tissue tumour site, are common approaches.

Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy

Chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells, may be recommended in certain cases of soft tissue sarcoma. Additionally, targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, can be employed to target specific genetic alterations present in some subtypes of sarcoma.

Emerging Treatment Approaches

Recent advancements in cancer research have opened up new avenues for soft tissue sarcoma treatment. Immunotherapy, which harnesses the body's immune system to target cancer cells, and precision medicine, which utilises genetic profiling to tailor treatment strategies, hold promise for improved outcomes in the future.

Prognosis and Follow-Up Care

Prognostic Factors

Thе size, location, gradе, stage, and prеsеncе of metastasis of the tumour all affеct the prognosis for soft tissue sarcoma. Thе outlook is gеnerally better for еarly-stagе tumours than for later-stagе onеs for sarcomas. But, it is crucial to remember that every case is unique, and every patient's prognosis should be discussed with their healthcare team.

Importance of Follow-Up Care

Following treatment for soft tissue sarcoma, regular follow-up appointments and surveillance are crucial to monitor for potential recurrence or the development of new tumours. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes. Patients should maintain open communication with their healthcare providers and promptly report any new soft tissue sarcoma symptoms or concerns.

Conclusion

 

Soft tissue sarcoma is a complex and diverse group of cancers that require comprehensive understanding and specialised treatment approaches. By gaining insights into the causes, types, symptoms, and treatment options for soft tissue sarcoma, individuals can empower themselves to seek timely medical attention, fostering better outcomes and improved quality of life.

Consult a skilled oncologist immediately if you think you might be at risk of soft tissue sarcoma!