Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Soft Tissue Sarcoma Causes
Generally, no one knows what really causes different types of soft tissue sarcoma but DNA mutations in soft tissue sarcoma are very common. This can be acquired from exposure to radiation or cancer causing chemicals.
Soft Tissue Sarcoma Definition
Soft tissue sarcoma is a type of malignant or cancerous tumor that grows in mesenchymal tissues including all muscles, connective tissues and bones present in the body. It can invade surrounding tissue and can spread to other organs of the body to form secondary tumors with cells similar to primary tumors.
Soft Tissue Sarcoma Diagnosis
Biopsy is the only way to diagnose if a tumor is benign or cancerous (malignant) either by needle or surgical biopsy.
Soft Tissue Sarcoma Symptoms and Signs
During the initial stages, soft tissue sarcoma does not produce noticeable symptoms. They are not easily distinguished that they tend to grow large enough to push aside normal tissue causing them to be somehow unobvious. As the tumor grows, more symptoms will develop including: ? Painless lump or swelling will become a little bit painful ? Fever ? Weight loss ? Tumors present in the abdomen will cause abdominal pain that can be mistaken for menstrual cramps or indigestion. Tumors in this area may also cause constipation. ? In general, symptoms that will show up depend on the part of the body where the tumor is located.
Soft Tissue Sarcoma Treatment
Treatment for soft tissue sarcoma depends on the stage of the cancer. Treatment options would include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.