Alveolar soft part sarcoma

Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma (pronunciation: al-vee-oh-lar soft part sar-koh-mah) is a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma that primarily affects children and young adults. The term "alveolar" refers to the microscopic appearance of the tumor, which resembles small air sacs (alveoli) found in the lungs.

Etymology

The term "Alveolar" is derived from the Latin word "alveolus", meaning small cavity or pit. "Soft part" refers to the soft tissues of the body where the sarcoma typically occurs. "Sarcoma" is derived from the Greek word "sarkoma", meaning fleshy growth.

Description

Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma (ASPS) is a slow-growing tumor that often does not cause symptoms until it has grown large or spread. It most commonly occurs in the legs or arms, but can also be found in the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and genital area. The exact cause of ASPS is unknown, but it is thought to be related to genetic changes.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma may include a painless lump or swelling, fatigue, weight loss, and in some cases, difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma typically involves a physical examination, imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan, and a biopsy to examine the cells under a microscope.

Treatment

Treatment for Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. In some cases, targeted therapies may be used.

Prognosis

The prognosis for Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma varies depending on the size and location of the tumor, whether it has spread, and the patient's overall health.

Related Terms

• Soft tissue sarcoma
• MRI
• CT scan
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Alveolar soft part sarcoma
• Wikipedia's article - Alveolar soft part sarcoma

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