Adult Soft-Tissue Sarcoma

Why choose us for Adult Soft-Tissue Sarcoma?

What you need to know about Adult Soft-Tissue Sarcoma

Adult soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that originates in the soft tissues of the body, which include muscles, tendons, fat, blood vessels, nerves, and deep skin tissues.

Types

- Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma (UPS):
  - Formerly known as malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH).
  - Commonly occurs in the arms, legs, and retroperitoneum (the back of the abdominal cavity).
- Liposarcoma:
  - Develops in fat cells.
  - Commonly found in the thighs, behind the knee, or in the abdomen.
- Leiomyosarcoma:
  - Arises from smooth muscle cells.
  - Often occurs in the uterus, abdomen, or blood vessels.
- Synovial Sarcoma:
  - Typically occurs near joints, particularly in the arms and legs.
  - Often affects young adults.
- Rhabdomyosarcoma:
  - Originates in skeletal muscle cells.
  - More common in children but can occur in adults.
- Angiosarcoma:
  - Develops in the cells lining blood vessels or lymph vessels.
  - Can occur anywhere in the body but is often found in the skin, liver, breast, and deep tissues.
- Fibrosarcoma:
  - Originates in fibrous tissues.
  - Usually occurs in the arms, legs, or trunk.
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST):
  - Arises in the digestive tract, most commonly in the stomach or small intestine.
  - Often associated with specific genetic mutations.
- Desmoid Tumors (Aggressive Fibromatosis):
  - Develops in connective tissues.
  - Can be aggressive locally but does not typically metastasize.

Causes

The exact cause of soft tissue sarcoma is often unknown, but several factors may increase the risk:

Genetic mutations: Certain inherited genetic conditions (e.g., Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1) increase the risk.
Radiation exposure: Previous radiation therapy for other cancers can increase the risk.
Chemical exposure: Exposure to certain chemicals like vinyl chloride, dioxins, and herbicides.
Chronic lymphedema: Long-term swelling in the arms or legs may increase the risk of angiosarcoma.
Viral infections: Certain viruses, such as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), are linked to specific types of sarcoma.

Symptoms

A lump or swelling that may or may not be painful
Pain, if the tumor presses on nerves or muscles
Limited mobility or stiffness in the affected area
In some cases, no symptoms until the tumor grows large enough to cause problems

Diagnosis

Physical examination
Imaging tests like MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound
Biopsy to examine the tissue sample under a microscope to determine if it’s cancerous and, if so, what type

Treatment

Surgery:
- The primary treatment for most soft tissue sarcomas.
- Aim is to remove the tumor with clear margins to reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Limb-sparing surgery is often possible to avoid amputation.
Radiation Therapy:
- Can be used before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumors or after surgery (adjuvant) to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
- May be the primary treatment if surgery is not feasible.
Chemotherapy:
- Uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
- Often used for certain types of sarcoma or when the cancer has spread.
- Common drugs include doxorubicin, ifosfamide, and dacarbazine.
Targeted Therapy:
- Drugs designed to target specific molecular changes in cancer cells.
- For example, imatinib is used for GISTs with certain mutations.
Immunotherapy:
- Helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
- Includes drugs like pembrolizumab for certain sarcoma types in clinical trials.
Clinical Trials:
- Experimental treatments or new drug combinations.
- May be an option for advanced or resistant sarcomas.
Palliative Care:
- Focuses on symptom management and quality of life.
- Can be integrated with other treatments for advanced sarcomas.

Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient based on the type, location, and stage of the sarcoma, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences. A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals works together to develop and implement the most effective treatment strategy.

Prognosis

Prognosis varies widely depending on the type and stage of the sarcoma, as well as individual factors. Early detection and treatment typically offer better outcomes. Some sarcomas can be cured, while others may recur even after treatment.

Prevention

Since the exact cause is often unknown, there are no specific prevention methods. However, avoiding exposure to known carcinogens and adopting a healthy lifestyle may reduce the risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma.

Survival rates

Survival rates vary widely depending on the stage, grade, and type of soft tissue sarcoma. Overall, the 5-year survival rate for soft tissue sarcoma is around 50-60%. However, this can vary significantly based on individual factors and the specific characteristics of the tumor.

It’s essential for individuals with soft tissue sarcoma to work closely with their healthcare team to determine the most appropriate treatment plan and to undergo regular follow-ups for monitoring. Early detection and treatment offer the best chances for a favorable outcome.