Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Understanding Your Diagnosis

Everyone has heard of breast cancer, skin cancer, colon cancer, and more. However, there is another type of cancer that isn’t as familiar — soft tissue sarcoma. This relatively rare condition presents as lumps in tissues surrounding bones and organs.

 At his private practice in Santa Monica, California, Dr. Trevan Fischer uses cutting-edge, minimally invasive surgical techniques to treat various types of cancer, including soft tissue sarcoma. He also stays up-to-date on the field's latest research and recommendations through his work on clinical trials at the Saint John's Cancer Institute.

Soft tissue sarcoma

Soft tissue sarcomas are cancerous tumors that can grow in the fat, muscle, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and skin. There are more than 50 types. While they can develop anywhere, they most frequently occur in the arms, legs, and abdomen.

Symptoms

Most often, soft tissue sarcoma appears as a painless lump, though in some cases, there can be pain if the growth is pressing on muscles or nerves.

 For sarcomas in the belly or another internal area, other symptoms may be the first sign. Depending on the location, it can mean stomach pain or changes in your stool, like blood or a black, tarry color. Sarcomas in the chest or lungs may be diagnosed after chest pain or trouble breathing.

Diagnosis

While it is easy to dismiss a lump, it is important to get it or any other concerning symptoms checked out in case it is cancer. The sooner it is detected and treated, the better the outcome.

 In addition to a physical examination, you may undergo imaging tests like X-rays, an ultrasound, or MRI. A biopsy may be done to take a small sample of the growth to examine under a microscope.

 This information can be used to learn the cancer's stage, which will help form a treatment plan. There are four stages, which are determined by the tumor's location, size, activity, and grade.

 Tumor grade is based on factors such as how similar the cancer cells look to normal cells, how fast they are dividing, and how many cells in the tumor are dying.

Treatment

Usually, surgery to remove the tumor is the first step. That is done using minimally invasive techniques when possible.

Other medical treatments may also be necessary, depending on the stage and grade. This highly personalized approach could include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.

 Whether you've found a lump, are experiencing other symptoms, or have already been diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma, Dr. Fischer can help. Click to book an appointment or call the office today at 310-807-2688.