Expert Care for Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the body's soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, fat, blood vessels, nerves, and the tissue surrounding joints. These cancers can occur almost anywhere in the body but are most commonly found in the arms, legs, chest, and abdomen.

At AIROC Hospitals, our sarcoma specialists — including orthopedic oncologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists — provide expert, coordinated care for soft tissue sarcoma, combining advanced imaging, precise diagnostic techniques, and personalized treatment plans to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Because soft tissue sarcomas are rare and can resemble benign growths in their early stages, they are sometimes discovered only after they have grown large enough to cause noticeable symptoms. With more than 50 subtypes, each behaving differently, accurate diagnosis by experienced sarcoma specialists is essential for effective treatment.

At AIROC Hospitals, we are committed to providing patients with expert, compassionate care at every stage of their soft tissue sarcoma journey — from diagnosis through treatment and long-term follow-up.

Types

Soft tissue sarcomas are classified based on the type of tissue in which they originate. Common types include:

• Liposarcoma – Develops in fat cells and is one of the most common types of soft tissue sarcoma, often found in the limbs or abdomen.
• Leiomyosarcoma – Arises in smooth muscle tissue, frequently found in the abdomen, uterus, or blood vessel walls.
• Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma (UPS) – A common and often aggressive sarcoma that typically develops in the arms or legs.
• Synovial Sarcoma – Usually occurs near joints, particularly in the knee, and more commonly affects younger patients.
• Rhabdomyosarcoma – Develops in skeletal muscle tissue and is more commonly seen in children and adolescents.
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) – A type of sarcoma that develops in the connective tissue of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor (MPNST) – Originates in the protective lining of nerves and can be associated with genetic conditions such as neurofibromatosis.
• Angiosarcoma – A rare, aggressive sarcoma that develops in the lining of blood vessels or lymphatic vessels.

Soft tissue sarcomas are further classified by grade (based on how aggressive the cells appear) and stage, which together guide the treatment approach at AIROC Hospitals.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms

Soft tissue sarcomas often grow silently and may not cause symptoms until they become large enough to press on surrounding structures. Common signs include:

• A new lump or swelling, which may or may not be painful
• Gradual increase in the size of a lump over weeks or months
• Pain or tenderness if the tumor presses on nerves or muscles
• Limited range of motion in a nearby joint
• Abdominal pain, bloating, or a feeling of fullness (for tumors in the abdomen)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue

Because many lumps are benign, evaluation by a specialist at AIROC Hospitals is important whenever a growth is new, growing, larger than 5 cm, or located deep beneath the skin.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of most soft tissue sarcomas is unknown, but certain factors are known to increase risk:

• Inherited Genetic Syndromes – Conditions such as neurofibromatosis type 1, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and hereditary retinoblastoma increase risk.
• Previous Radiation Therapy – Radiation given for other cancers can increase the risk of developing sarcoma years later in the treated area.
• Chemical Exposure – Exposure to certain herbicides, industrial chemicals, or vinyl chloride has been linked to increased risk.
• Chronic Lymphedema – Long-term swelling, often following lymph node removal or radiation, can raise the risk of angiosarcoma.
• Age – While sarcomas can occur at any age, certain subtypes are more common in specific age groups, such as rhabdomyosarcoma in children.
• Viral Infections – Certain sarcomas, such as Kaposi sarcoma, are associated with viral infections in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

At AIROC Hospitals, our sarcoma specialists follow a precise diagnostic process to accurately identify and characterize soft tissue sarcoma:

• Physical Examination – Initial assessment of the lump's size, location, and mobility.
• MRI – The preferred imaging technique for evaluating the size, location, and extent of soft tissue tumors, especially in the limbs.
• CT Scan – Useful for evaluating tumors in the abdomen or chest and checking for spread to the lungs.
• Biopsy – Removal of a tissue sample, typically performed as a core needle biopsy, to confirm diagnosis and determine tumor subtype and grade.
• PET Scan – Helps assess whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
• Molecular and Genetic Testing – Identifies specific genetic mutations that help confirm subtype and guide targeted treatment decisions.

Treatment

Treatment plans at AIROC Hospitals are tailored to the tumor's type, size, location, grade, and stage. Options include:

• Surgery – The primary treatment for most soft tissue sarcomas, involving removal of the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue; limb-sparing techniques are used whenever possible to preserve function.
• Radiation Therapy – Often used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor or eliminate remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Chemotherapy – Used for certain sarcoma subtypes, particularly those that are more aggressive or have spread to other parts of the body.
• Targeted Therapy – Drugs that specifically target genetic mutations found in certain sarcoma subtypes, such as GIST.
• Immunotherapy – An emerging treatment approach for select sarcoma types, aimed at boosting the body's immune response against cancer cells.

Our multidisciplinary sarcoma tumor board at AIROC Hospitals — including orthopedic oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and pathologists — collaborates to develop a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan focused on both survival and preservation of function.

Prevention and Risk Factors

Because most soft tissue sarcomas occur without a clear preventable cause, prevention focuses on risk awareness and early detection:

• Know Your Family History – Individuals with inherited genetic syndromes linked to sarcoma should discuss genetic counseling and regular screening with their doctor.
• Monitor Radiation-Exposed Areas – Those who have undergone previous radiation therapy should have regular follow-up examinations of the treated area.
• Limit Chemical Exposure – Taking appropriate safety precautions when working with industrial chemicals or herbicides may help reduce risk.
• Manage Lymphedema Promptly – Early treatment of chronic swelling can help reduce the risk of angiosarcoma.
• Seek Prompt Evaluation of New Lumps – Any new, growing, or persistent lump — especially one larger than 5 cm or located deep in the tissue — should be evaluated by a specialist without delay.

At AIROC Hospitals, we emphasize that early evaluation of unexplained lumps and swelling, combined with expert diagnostic care, offers the best chance for successful treatment of soft tissue sarcoma.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider at AIROC Hospitals for personalized diagnosis and treatment recommendations.