Soft-tissue sarcoma
Soft-tissue sarcoma (pronunciation: /sɑːrˈkoʊmə/) is a type of cancer that begins in the soft tissues of the body. The term "sarcoma" is derived from the Greek word "sarkoma," which means "fleshy growth."
Definition
Soft-tissue sarcomas are a group of rare cancers affecting the tissues that connect, support and surround other body structures. This includes muscle, fat, blood vessels, deep skin tissues, nerves, and the tissues around joints.
Types
There are many different types of soft-tissue sarcoma, named according to the type of tissue in which they start. These include:
- Leiomyosarcoma: Starts in smooth muscle tissue
- Liposarcoma: Begins in fat cells
- Angiosarcoma: Originates in the cells of the blood or lymph vessels
- Rhabdomyosarcoma: Begins in skeletal muscle cells
- Synovial sarcoma: Starts in the tissues near the joints
Symptoms
Symptoms of soft-tissue sarcoma depend on where the cancer develops. Common symptoms include a painless lump or swelling, pain if the tumor presses against nerves or muscles, and abdominal pain or blood in the stool or vomit if the sarcoma is in the stomach or intestines.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of soft-tissue sarcoma often involves a physical exam, imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan, and a biopsy to examine the cells under a microscope.
Treatment
Treatment options for soft-tissue sarcoma include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the type, size, location, and grade of the sarcoma, as well as the patient's overall health.
Prognosis
The prognosis for soft-tissue sarcoma varies widely depending on the type and stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and the effectiveness of treatment.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Soft-tissue sarcoma
- Wikipedia's article - Soft-tissue sarcoma
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