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Cancers We Treat

Soft-Tissue Sarcoma

Learn more about types of soft-tissue sarcoma and treatment options at Baptist Cancer Center.

Soft-Tissue Sarcoma Explained

Soft tissue sarcomas develop from soft tissues like fat, muscle, nerves, blood vessels, or skin tissues. Although soft-tissue sarcomas can develop anywhere in the body they are most common in arms and legs.

Soft-Tissue Sarcoma Treatment Options

To diagnose a soft-tissue sarcoma your doctor will use imaging tests, a physical exam, your medical history, and probably a biopsy. Treatments for soft-tissue sarcomas will vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Treatments may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or drug therapy.

The Different Types of Soft-Tissue Sarcoma

Cancers

Type of Tumor

Liposarcoma cancerous tumor of the fat cells
Leiomyosarcoma muscle tumor
Rhabdomyosarcoma muscle tumor
Neurofibrosarcomas nerve tumor
Synovial sarcoma joint tissue tumor
Hemangiopericytoma blood vessel tumor
Hemangioendothelioma blood vessel tumor
Angiosarcoma blood vessel tumor
Kaposi sarcoma blood vessel tumor
Fibromatosis fibrous tumor
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans fibrous tumor
Fibrosarcoma uncertain type tissue tumor
Malignant mesenchymoma uncertain type tissue tumor
Alveolar soft-part sarcoma uncertain type tissue tumor
Epithelioid sarcoma uncertain type tissue tumor
Clear cell sarcoma uncertain type tissue tumor
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor uncertain type tissue tumor
Pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma uncertain type tissue tumor
Spindle cell tumor uncertain type tissue tumor


Learn the Symptoms and Causes

Recognizing the signs of soft-tissue sarcoma allows for timely intervention, potentially increasing the chances of successful treatment and improving your quality of life.

What are the causes and risks of soft-tissue sarcomas?

The direct causes of soft-tissue sarcomas are not known however certain factors have been associated with an elevated risk for developing soft-tissue sarcomas. For instance as you get older your risk increases, diabetes and smoking can also increase your risk. Exposure to radiation and certain chemicals can also increase your risk for developing soft-tissue sarcomas. A family history of neurofibromatosis, Li Fraumeni syndrome and retinoblastoma may increase your likelihood for soft-tissue sarcomas. In children a higher birth weight and umbilical hernias have been associated with a higher risk of soft-tissue sarcomas.

What are the signs and symptoms of soft-tissue sarcomas?

The most common sign of a soft-tissue sarcoma is a painful lump that does not go away. However often times a lump is not cancer. A lump that is getting increasing painful and growing in size is more likely to be cancerous, especially as you get older. Early detection is very important for treating and diagnosing sarcomas so if you have a suspicious lump be proactive and go see your doctor.

Three doctors in a professional conversation.

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Connect With a Patient Navigator

As a patient at Baptist Cancer Center, you will have access to a dedicated patient navigator who will act as your advocate and liaison between you and your health care teams. Our patient navigators are available at every step to schedule appointments, answer questions, explain the treatment process, and provide resources, education and support when you and your family need it.