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Understanding Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Jerome Albert Ecker | MD

Medically reviewed by Jerome Albert Ecker | MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Duke University - Durham, NC on April 7th, 2024.

Key Takeaways

  • This rare cancer strikes about 13,000 Americans annually, most commonly developing in the arms, legs, chest, or abdomen from muscles, fat, blood vessels, or connective tissues.

  • Most tumors present as painless, slowly growing lumps larger than 5 centimeters, though deep tumors may cause organ compression leading to breathing difficulties or abdominal pain.

  • Previous radiation therapy increases risk 50-fold after a 10+ year latency period, while genetic conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome and neurofibromatosis type 1 account for less than 10% of cases.

  • Surgical resection with wide margins (2-3 cm of healthy tissue) remains the primary treatment, achieving 5-year survival rates of 65-75% when caught before metastasis.

  • MRI imaging can detect tumors as small as 1 cm and helps distinguish malignant from benign masses, but definitive diagnosis requires core needle biopsy rather than fine needle aspiration.

Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, bones, deep layers of skin, fat, blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. Although these cancers account for less than 1% of all cancer cases, there are dozens of different types that can affect both children and adults. Approximately 13,000 people are diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma each year.

Causes of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

The exact causes of soft tissue sarcoma are not well understood, but certain factors may increase your risk of developing this type of cancer:

  • Family history of inherited diseases like neurofibromatosis and Gardner syndrome

  • Exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic, vinyl chloride, or dioxin

  • Previous radiation therapy for other types of cancer

Symptoms of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

The most common symptom of soft tissue sarcoma is a painless lump or growth. However, some tumors may not be noticeable until they grow large enough to press on nearby muscles or nerves. Other symptoms may include:

  • Stomach pain, bleeding, or a blocked intestine (for sarcomas in the belly)

  • Chest pain or difficulty breathing (for sarcomas in the lungs or chest)

  • Lumps or growths on the head or neck (especially in children with rhabdomyosarcoma)

If you notice a growing lump, persistent stomach pain, bloody stool, or vomiting blood, consult your doctor for further evaluation.

Understanding Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Diagnosing Soft Tissue Sarcoma

If your doctor suspects soft tissue sarcoma, they may recommend the following tests:

  • Physical examination to assess lumps or bumps

  • Imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRI scans

  • Biopsy to examine a tissue sample under a microscope

Based on the test results, your doctor will determine the stage of the cancer (I through IV), which indicates the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment Options for Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Treatment for soft tissue sarcoma depends on the location and stage of the cancer. The primary treatment options include:

Surgery

Surgery is usually the first step in treating soft tissue sarcoma. Doctors aim to remove the tumor and any affected lymph nodes while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. In some cases, tissue reconstruction or limb amputation may be necessary.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It may be administered through an IV or as pills. Chemotherapy is often used in combination with surgery, especially if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles or X-rays to destroy cancer cells. External beam therapy is the most common method, where a machine directs radiation at the affected area. Radiation therapy may be used before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

For more information on soft tissue sarcoma, visit the following reputable sources:

Coping with Soft Tissue Sarcoma

A soft tissue sarcoma diagnosis can be emotionally and physically challenging. It's essential to have a strong support system, whether it's through family, friends, or support groups. Communicating openly with your healthcare team about your concerns and treatment options can help you make informed decisions and maintain a positive outlook throughout your journey.

The Bottom Line

Early detection dramatically improves outcomes for this aggressive cancer, making prompt evaluation of any persistent, growing soft tissue mass essential. Any unexplained lump larger than a golf ball or any mass that's growing, painful, or deep-seated warrants immediate medical attention. If you're concerned about unusual growths or persistent symptoms, Doctronic can help connect you with appropriate specialists quickly.

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