Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Symptoms, Types, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments

Soft tissue sarcomas are a group of rare cancers that can affect the tissues surrounding and connecting body organs and structures. Soft tissue sarcomas are classified into different types, depending on the type of tissue where cancer started. 

These types include leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, angiosarcoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and others.

This article comprehensively overviews soft tissue sarcomas, including their symptoms, types, causes, diagnosis, and treatments.

Symptoms of Soft Tissue Sarcomas

In the early stages, soft tissue sarcomas may have no obvious symptoms. However, as they grow, they can cause various symptoms that depend on where cancer develops. 

For example, if it develops in the skin, it may cause a painless lump that gradually grows bigger over time. If it develops in the abdomen, it can cause pain, a persistent feeling of fullness, and constipation. 

If it develops near the lungs, it may cause breathlessness and coughing.

See a doctor if you notice any of these symptoms, particularly if you have a lump that’s getting bigger over time. Although most lumps are usually non-cancerous, it’s essential to have your symptoms checked by a medical professional.

Types of Soft Tissue Sarcomas

As mentioned earlier, soft tissue sarcomas are classified into different types, depending on the type of tissue where cancer originated. Here are some examples of the various types of soft tissue sarcomas:

1. Leiomyosarcoma: This type of cancer starts in the smooth muscles, which are present in various parts of the body, including the uterus, stomach, and intestines.
2. Liposarcoma: This type of cancer develops in the adipose (fat) tissues.
3. Angiosarcoma: This type of cancer begins in the cells of the blood or lymph glands.
4. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): These tumors develop in the connective tissues that support the organs of the digestive system.

Causes of Soft Tissue Sarcomas

In most cases, the cause of soft tissue sarcomas is unknown. However, some factors increase the risk of developing the disease, including age, certain genetic conditions, exposure to chemicals such as vinyl chloride, dioxins, phenoxy acetic herbicides, and previous radiation therapy.

Kaposi’s sarcoma is a rare form of sarcoma caused by the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) that infects people with a weakened immune system, such as HIV.

Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Sarcomas

If your doctor suspects you have soft tissue sarcoma, they will likely refer you for further testing. Diagnosing soft tissue sarcomas usually involves several tests, including scans and a biopsy.

Scans such as an ultrasound scan are usually the first tests done. Still, additional scans, such as an MRI scan, may be required later. A biopsy removes a sample of the suspected cancerous tissue, uses a needle or during an operation, and analyzes it in a laboratory. 

These tests help confirm the diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma and determine the grade and stage of cancer.

Treatment of Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Soft tissue sarcomas are a group of rare cancers that develop in the body’s soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, fat, and nerves. 

The treatment of soft tissue sarcomas depends on various factors, such as the type and stage of cancer, the location of the tumor, the patient’s age and overall health, and the patient’s treatment preferences.

Surgery is the primary treatment for most soft tissue sarcomas. The surgeon will remove the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue around it to ensure that all cancer cells are removed. Radiation therapy may sometimes be given before or after surgery to shrink the tumor or kill any remaining cancer cells. 

Chemotherapy may also be used in some cases, particularly for advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcomas.

Targeted therapy may be an option for certain types of soft tissue sarcomas. This type of treatment uses drugs that target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Immunotherapy, which stimulates the patient’s immune system to attack cancer cells, may also be used in some cases.

In addition to medical treatments, supportive care is essential to managing soft tissue sarcomas. This may include pain management, physical therapy, and counseling to help patients cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of living with cancer.

Overall, treating soft tissue sarcomas requires a multidisciplinary approach involving a team of specialists, including surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other healthcare professionals. The goal of treatment is to cure cancer if possible or to control the disease and maintain the patient’s quality of life.

Preventing soft tissue sarcomas

Like most cancers, preventing soft tissue sarcomas from developing is impossible. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the disease:

Be aware of the symptoms

1. Being aware of the symptoms of soft tissue sarcomas can help you seek medical attention as soon as possible if you notice any changes. As mentioned earlier, soft tissue sarcomas often have no obvious symptoms in the early stages, but they can cause symptoms as they get bigger or spread. You should see a doctor if you have a lump or swelling that’s getting bigger over time.

Quit smoking

2. Smoking is a known risk factor for many types of cancer, including soft tissue sarcomas. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.

Protect yourself from chemicals

3. Exposure to certain chemicals, including vinyl chloride, dioxins, and phenoxy acetic herbicides, has been associated with increased rates of soft tissue sarcoma. If you work with these chemicals, make sure you follow proper safety precautions to minimize your exposure.

Maintain a healthy weight

4. Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including soft tissue sarcomas. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your cancer risk.

Get screened for genetic conditions

5. Certain genetic conditions, such as neurofibromatosis type 1 and retinoblastoma, are associated with an increased risk of soft tissue sarcomas. If you have a family history of these conditions, talk to your doctor about genetic counseling and screening.

Limit your exposure to radiation

6. Previous radiotherapy has been linked to an increased risk of soft tissue sarcomas, often many years later. If you’ve had radiotherapy in the past, make sure you attend any recommended follow-up appointments to monitor your health.

Conclusion

Soft tissue sarcomas are a group of rare cancers that can develop in almost any part of the body, including the legs, arms, and abdomen. They often have no obvious symptoms in the early stages but can cause symptoms as they get bigger or spread.

If you notice any changes, such as a lump or swelling that’s getting bigger over time, it’s important to see a doctor to check it out. Soft tissue sarcomas can be diagnosed through tests, including scans and biopsies.

Treatment for soft tissue sarcomas usually involves surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, followed by radiotherapy or chemotherapy to help prevent cancer from returning. In some cases, targeted therapies or immunotherapies may also be used.

Although it’s impossible to completely prevent soft tissue sarcomas from developing, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing the disease.

Being aware of the symptoms, quitting smoking, protecting yourself from chemicals, maintaining a healthy weight, getting screened for genetic conditions, and limiting your exposure to radiation are all important ways to reduce your risk.

Taking these steps and seeking prompt medical attention if you notice any changes can help protect yourself against this rare but serious cancer.

10 frequently asked questions about soft tissue sarcomas :

What are soft tissue sarcomas?

1. Soft tissue sarcomas are a rare type of cancer that develops in the body’s soft tissues, which include muscles, tendons, fat, nerves, and blood vessels.

What are the symptoms of soft tissue sarcomas?

2. The symptoms of soft tissue sarcomas may vary depending on the tumor’s location but can include a lump or swelling, pain or discomfort, and reduced range of motion.

What causes soft tissue sarcomas?

3. The exact cause of soft tissue sarcomas is unknown, but risk factors include exposure to radiation, certain genetic conditions, and certain inherited disorders.

How are soft tissue sarcomas diagnosed?

4. Soft tissue sarcomas are usually diagnosed through imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans, followed by a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

What are the treatment options for soft tissue sarcomas?

5. Treatment for soft tissue sarcomas usually involves surgery to remove the tumor, followed by radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells.

What is the prognosis for soft tissue sarcomas?

6. The prognosis for soft tissue sarcomas varies depending on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the stage of cancer. Early detection and treatment can improve the chances of successful treatment.

Can soft tissue sarcomas spread to other parts of the body?

7. Yes, soft tissue sarcomas can spread to other parts of the body, particularly the lungs.

Are there any lifestyle changes that can help prevent soft tissue sarcomas?

8. No known lifestyle changes can prevent soft tissue sarcomas, but avoiding exposure to radiation and taking steps to reduce your risk of inherited genetic conditions can lower your risk.

What is the follow-up care after treatment for soft tissue sarcomas?

9. Follow-up care after treatment for soft tissue sarcomas usually involves regular imaging tests and doctor visits to monitor for any signs of recurrence or new tumors.

Is there ongoing research for soft tissue sarcomas?

10. Yes, ongoing research is being conducted to develop new treatments for soft tissue sarcomas and improve early detection and diagnosis. Clinical trials may be available for patients interested in participating in research studies.