They begin as a slow-growing bump that may spread to adjacent tissue. Most patients with soft tissue sarcoma are over the age of 50, and they often recur even after treatment. Most patients with soft tissue sarcoma are male, although women can be affected, too.
Soft tissue sarcomas can occur in any area of the body, but most commonly occur in the arms, legs, chest, and abdomen. These types of cancer are often painless and difficult to detect, and patients may not notice any symptoms until the tumor has grown to a significant size. They may also develop swelling and tingling in the affected area, and they may produce blood in the stool. Some patients may also experience swelling, especially in the arm or leg, if the tumor has pressed against nearby nerves.
Patients with sarcomas must undergo staging procedures to determine the extent of the cancer’s spread. Each patient is given a number between one and four based on the number of metastases. The higher the number, the more widespread the cancer is throughout the body. This staging process helps doctors plan for treatment and determine if a patient should undergo treatment based on the type of sarcoma. Soft tissue sarcoma has its own specific staging criteria, as does bone sarcoma.
Surviving the first five years after diagnosis with soft tissue sarcoma is not uncommon. However, survival rates are lower for patients who have spread their cancer. Patients with a locally advanced sarcoma have a seventy percent chance of surviving for five years after diagnosis. If the cancer has spread, the chance of survival drops to zero. This means that patients will need specialized care. When treatment begins, the patient will have to undergo chemotherapy and radiation.
The most common treatment for sarcoma is chemotherapy. The purpose of chemotherapy is to destroy the cancer cells before it spreads to other parts of the body. While chemotherapy has significant side effects in the past, modern chemotherapy techniques have minimized the risk of toxicity by protecting the heart and reducing the need for blood transfusions. Thankfully, side effects of radiotherapy tend to improve over time. Sore skin, tiredness, and hair loss in the treated area are common side effects of radiotherapy.
The types of sarcomas include chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and sarcomas of the skeletal system. Chondrosarcomas are rare in children, but may occur in certain syndromes. Inheritance of certain genes may also increase the risk of developing sarcoma, such as neurofibromatosis and Werner syndrome. In addition to genetic factors, environmental exposure has been linked to sarcoma, especially vinyl chloride.
The outlook for people with soft tissue sarcoma depends on the type, stage, and grade of the disease. Early detection and treatment may help cure patients. Low-grade tumours can usually be removed during surgery. Larger and higher-grade tumours, however, may spread and cause more complications. In addition to regular checkups, patients may also need to undergo occupational and physiotherapy. So, if you think you may have sarcoma cancer, don’t panic. Your doctor will determine the best course of treatment.
