Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Soft tissue sarcoma is a group of rare cancers that develop in the soft tissues of the body, including muscle, fat, nerves, blood vessels, tendons and connective tissues. These tumors can occur in almost any part of the body and may present as a gradually enlarging lump or swelling, sometimes with pain or discomfort.
Understanding
Soft Tissue Sarcoma
- Soft tissue sarcomas can arise from different types of tissues and may occur in the limbs, trunk, abdomen, pelvis or other parts of the body.
- A painless, enlarging or deep-seated lump may be an important warning sign and should be evaluated promptly.
- There are many different subtypes of soft tissue sarcoma, each with distinct biological and clinical characteristics.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for planning appropriate treatment and achieving effective local disease control.
Diagnosis
Evaluation of Soft Tissue Sarcoma
- Clinical examination helps assess the size, depth, location and characteristics of the soft tissue mass.
- MRI is commonly used for tumors of the limbs and other soft tissue sites to determine their extent and relationship with surrounding structures.
- CT scans and other imaging investigations may be recommended to assess the primary tumor and look for disease elsewhere in the body.
- Core needle biopsy is generally performed when tissue diagnosis is required, with biopsy planning being an important part of sarcoma management.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the sarcoma subtype, tumor size, location, stage and overall health of the patient. Surgery is often the main treatment for localized soft tissue sarcoma, with the goal of removing the tumor with an appropriate margin while preserving limb function whenever possible. Depending on the tumor type and stage, radiation therapy and systemic treatments such as chemotherapy or targeted therapies may also be considered. Treatment is planned through a multidisciplinary approach to provide individualized care and optimize local and overall disease control.
