Sometimes, when we take a shower or change clothes, we may find something on our body that we didn't have before, like a lump. It's normal to feel a little scared when that happens. Although not all lumps are dangerous, some of them should be taken care of. Today, we are going to talk about 'Soft Tissue Sarcoma', a rare cancer that should be taken care of. Don't be scared when you hear this name, let's explain everything about it simply.
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Simply put, what is Soft Tissue Sarcoma?
'Soft Tissue Sarcoma' is a common name for cancerous tumors that form in the soft tissues of our body. This is a relatively rare type of cancer. Now you may be wondering what soft tissue is. It's very simple. It's the soft tissue that surrounds and supports the bones and organs of our body.
Think of it this way: If our body is a house, the bones are the frame of that house. The soft tissues are the walls, wiring, and pipes that surround that frame. For example:
- Muscle
- Body fat
- Blood vessels
- Lymphatic vessels
- Nerves
- Tendons
- Ligaments
Since soft tissue is found everywhere in the body, a 'Soft Tissue Sarcoma' can develop anywhere in the body. However, it is most often seen in areas such as the arms, legs, chest, and back of the abdomen . It is generally more common in adults than in children.
What are the main types of soft tissue sarcoma?
There are over 70 types of these cancers. Some of them have subtypes. You don't need to know about all of them, but let's look at a few of the main types to give you an idea.
| Cancer type name | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Angiosarcoma | This forms inside the blood vessels and lymph vessels. It's a type that can spread a little faster. |
| Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) | As the name suggests, these are produced in our digestive system (intestines). |
| Leiomyosarcoma | A cancer that develops in the smooth muscles (e.g., the walls of the uterus, intestines). It most commonly occurs in the stomach. |
| Liposarcoma | A cancer that develops in fatty tissue. It can often occur on the back of the legs or abdomen. |
| Rhabdomyosarcoma | A cancer that occurs in the muscles attached to the bones. This type is more common in children and young people than in adults. |
| Synovial sarcoma | Although it often occurs around joints (e.g., knees), it can occur anywhere on the body. |
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Check Availability →What are the symptoms of this condition?
This is the most important part. Most of the time, these tumors grow very slowly. So you may not notice any symptoms for months, even years. However, it is very important that you are aware of these symptoms:
- A new lump appears anywhere on the body or an existing lump grows rapidly.
- The lump may be painful (it may be painless at first, but then it may become painful).
- If the stomach pain gradually increases.
- Black stools or blood in the stool.
- Nausea and vomiting .
- Unexplained weight loss.
If you have symptoms like this, don't be afraid that it's definitely Sarcoma. But don't take it lightly either. It's best to see your doctor as soon as possible without wasting time.
Why do these types of cancers develop? What are the risk factors?
The exact cause of this condition is not yet known. However, it has been found that it can be caused by certain genetic mutations. Also, there are several factors that increase the risk of developing this condition in some people.
Some hereditary diseases
These are very rare conditions. It is important to inform your doctor if anyone in your family has these conditions.
- Li Fraumeni syndrome
- Neurofibromatosis type 1 (von Recklinghausen disease)
- Gardner syndrome
- Hereditary retinoblastoma
Other risk factors
- Having had radiation therapy for another cancer: There is a very small risk of developing a sarcoma in the area of previous treatment.
- Lymphedema: A condition that causes swelling in the arms or legs due to blockage of lymph vessels.
- Exposure to certain chemicals: For example, things like vinyl chloride and arsenic.
How do doctors accurately diagnose this disease?
When you go to see a doctor with a lump, he will first ask you about your symptoms. Then he will examine the lump. He may then order several tests to confirm the diagnosis.
1. Imaging Tests (scans): These help to see the size, location, and nature of the lump.
- X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- PET scan
2. Biopsy: This is the only way to confirm the disease 100% of the time. This involves taking a very small piece of tissue from the lump and examining it under a microscope. This test allows doctors to find out exactly what type of sarcoma it is, how far it has spread ( stage ), and how fast it is likely to grow/spread ( grade ). This information is essential for planning treatment.
What are the treatments?
The main and most commonly used treatment for this is surgery to completely remove the cancerous tumor. However, depending on the type, size, and spread of the tumor, other treatments may be given in addition to surgery or before/after surgery.
- Radiation therapy: This treatment is given to shrink the tumor before surgery or to destroy any cancer cells that may remain after surgery.
- Chemotherapy: Drugs given to kill cancer cells. These are given as pills or injections.
- Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific molecules that affect the growth of cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: A treatment method that stimulates our body's own immune system to fight cancer cells.
Your doctor will explain to you which treatment is best suited to your condition.
What things should I be careful about after surgery?
When you get home after surgery, you should take some care while the wound heals. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor or the hospital immediately.
- Fever (if higher than 38.4 degrees Celsius).
- Severe pain when touching the surgical wound or the surrounding area.
- A thick, white/creamy pus-like fluid oozes from the wound.
- If the sutures open or the gap increases .
- Unusual redness or discoloration of the skin around the wound.
Also, let your medical team know if the side effects of your treatment are worse than expected. Sometimes they may refer you to palliative care, a team of specially trained people who can help you manage the pain and discomfort caused by your treatment.
What happens after treatment? Is it possible to recover completely?
This problem can happen to anyone. If cancer is detected at an early stage, before it spreads, and completely removed through surgery, this disease can be completely cured.
However, sometimes these cancers can come back. That's why it's so important to continue to have follow-up tests as your doctor recommends, even after treatment. Usually, you can have more frequent tests for the first 2-3 years.
When you have a rare disease like this, it's normal to feel alone. But your doctor and medical team are there to support you. Talk openly with them about any questions or concerns you have. The more you know about your disease and treatment, the more confident you will be in your journey.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Pay attention to any lumps on your body that are new, growing rapidly, or painful.
- If you see a sign like that, don't panic and see a doctor without delay. The earlier it is detected, the more successful the treatment.
- Soft Tissue Sarcoma is a rare cancer. Don't be scared by everything you read on the internet.
- Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you have about your treatment or side effects.
- You are not alone. Get support from your family, friends, and medical team.
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