Soft tissue tumors can develop in almost any part of the body. Although they aren’t cancerous, they can be painful and affect a person’s quality of life. These masses can be found on the skin, bones, muscles and nerves.
The best way to identify a soft tissue mass is to have it checked out by a physician. This will help the patient determine whether it is malignant or non-cancerous. A doctor may also feel for lumps or perform an exam to see if they are painful. If a doctor suspects a sarcoma, the patient will be referred to a specialist.
Most patients with soft tissue masses can live with their condition. They may have to limit their activities, or they may need to undergo therapy to restore their strength. However, if the tumor is large, it is a serious problem that needs to be treated. While there are no guarantees, a timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent recurrence and potentially debilitating complications.
It is important to find out the cause of a soft tissue tumor, especially if it has developed in the same place as another condition. In some cases, the tumor may be genetically inherited. Genetic testing can reveal if this is the case. Other factors that can increase the risk of developing a soft tissue mass are Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis, and familial adenomatous polyposis.
Sarcomas may cause some symptoms, such as pain and swelling. If the mass is affecting a nerve, the patient may experience numbness or tingling in the affected area. If a mass presses on a nearby artery, the patient may experience chest pain or difficulty breathing. Additionally, the mass can damage blood vessels.
Some patients may require surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other treatments to treat a sarcoma. Surgery is often used to remove the tumor, though the extent of surgery varies. Radiation treatments can also be used to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Patients with sarcomas should keep track of their symptoms to make sure they aren’t a symptom of a different condition. Patients should visit their doctor regularly to check for any signs of recurrence. Once the tumor is removed, the patient may need to undergo physical therapy for months. Survivors of sarcomas may be able to meet with other patients to share their experiences.
Many soft tissue tumors are slow-growing. However, they can grow more rapidly if they become malignant. When the tumor grows quickly, it is known as a sarcoma. There are 50 different subtypes of sarcomas. Malignant sarcomas require surgery, while benign sarcomas may not.
The risk of recurrence of a sarcoma depends on its type and its location in the body. For example, angiosarcomas are more likely to spread to the brain. Also, sarcomas that form in the heart can cause breathing problems.
Because of the many different types of sarcomas, it is important to find a doctor with experience in this type of cancer. Depending on the tumor, a surgeon may need to remove some muscle or an artery.
