This rare cancer, known as soft tissue sarcoma, originates in the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, fat, and blood vessels. Although it can develop anywhere in the body, it most typically affects the arms, legs, and abdomen. Understanding this disease’s symptoms, treatment options, and stages can help with early detection and better management. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about soft tissue sarcoma, from common warning signs to treatment approaches and the different stages of the condition.
Table of Contents
Types Of Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Soft tissue sarcoma encompasses various cancers that form in the body’s soft tissues. Here are some common types:
1. Liposarcoma:
– Description: This type starts in fat cells. It can occur in any body part but is most often found in the legs and abdominal area.
– Symptoms: A noticeable lump or swelling, which can be painful or painless.
2. Leiomyosarcoma:
– Description: This sarcoma begins in smooth muscle tissue found in places like the walls of blood vessels and organs.
– Symptoms: Symptoms can include swelling, a lump in the abdomen, or pain if it presses on nearby organs.
3. Rhabdomyosarcoma:
– Description: This type primarily affects children and arises from skeletal muscle tissue responsible for voluntary movements.
– Symptoms: A lump or swelling in the head, neck, or genitals. It can also cause pain or difficulties with movement.
4. Synovial Sarcoma:
– Description: Often found near joints, this type affects the tissues around the joints, such as tendons and ligaments.
– Symptoms: Pain or swelling around the joint, which might limit movement.
5. Angiosarcoma:
– Description: This sarcoma develops in the blood vessels or lymph vessels & can develop anywhere in the body, often in the skin or breast.
– Symptoms: Changes in the skin, like bruising or a lump, and it can be painful.
6. Fibrosarcoma:
– Description: This type arises from fibrous tissue, which supports and connects other tissues.
– Symptoms: A lump or mass, often in the legs, arms, or trunk. Pain might occur if it presses on nerves or other structures.
7. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs):
– Description: These tumours start in the digestive tract, usually in the stomach or intestines.
– Symptoms: Abdominal pain, nausea, or a noticeable abdominal mass.
8. Desmoid Tumors:
– Description: These are not cancerous but can behave like cancer. They arise from connective tissue and can occur anywhere in the body.
– Symptoms: A firm lump that can grow but is usually painless. They may induce problems by pressing on nearby structures.
Soft Tissue Sarcoma Symptoms
Soft tissue sarcoma can show various symptoms, and early recognition can be crucial for effective treatment. Here’s a detailed look at the common symptoms associated with soft tissue sarcoma:
1. Lump or Mass:
– One of the most noticeable symptoms is a lump or mass that may develop under the skin. This lump can be painless initially, but it might become uncomfortable or painful as it grows.
2. Pain or Discomfort:
– Some people may encounter pain or discomfort in the area where the tumour is located. This pain can differ from mild to severe and might feel like pressure or aching.
3. Swelling:
– Swelling around the lump can occur, especially if the tumour is pressing against nearby tissues. This swelling might not go down and can change in size as the tumour grows.
4. Limited Movement:
– If the sarcoma is located near a joint or muscle, it can restrict movement in that area. You might find it hard to bend or stretch your limbs as usual.
5. Unexplained Weight Loss:
– Some individuals may experience unexplained weight loss or a general feeling of weakness and fatigue. This can occur with many types of cancer and may indicate that the body is under stress.
6. Changes in Skin Color or Texture:
– In some cases, the skin over the tumour may change colour, becoming red or purple. The skin’s texture might also feel different—either firmer or softer than usual.
7. Symptoms Related to Metastasis:
– If the sarcoma spreads to other body parts (metastasis), symptoms can vary based on where it spreads. For instance, if it spreads to the lungs, you may experience a cough or shortness of breath.
If you witness any unusual lumps, swelling, or persistent pain, it’s crucial to consult a medical professional. Early diagnosis can significantly improve the likelihood of successful treatment. Recognizing the signs & symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma is key to getting timely care. Your physician may recommend imaging tests, like X-rays or MRIs, to better understand the nature of the lump.
Soft Tissue Sarcoma Treatment
1. Surgery: This is often the first line of treatment for soft tissue sarcoma. The goal is to remove the tumour and some healthy tissue around it. Costs can range from INR 2,00,000 to INR 4,00,000.
2. Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Before surgery, it can shrink the tumour or destroy any remaining cells. The cost for about 30 sessions ranges from INR 1,50,000 to INR 2,50,000.
3. Chemotherapy: This involves using drugs to destroy cancer cells and may be recommended for advanced stages of sarcoma. Six cycles of chemotherapy can cost between INR 60,000 and INR 1,00,000.
4. Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: These newer treatments target specific aspects of cancer cells or enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. The costs for these treatments can vary widely and are typically higher than traditional therapies.
Factors Influencing Treatment Costs:
– Type and Stage of Sarcoma: Different types and stages of sarcoma require different treatment approaches, which can affect the cost.
– Hospital and Location: The choice of hospital & its location can greatly influence the overall cost of treatment.
– Expertise of Medical Team: The oncologists’ and surgeons’ experience and expertise also affect the cost.
Financial Considerations:
The average cost of soft tissue sarcoma treatment in India ranges from approximately $7,000 to $12,000 (about INR 5,25,000 to INR 9,00,000), which is more affordable than many other countries. However, these costs can still be a substantial financial burden for many families.
Soft Tissue Sarcoma Staging
Staging soft tissue sarcoma involves a system that ranges from Stage I to Stage IV. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
– Stage I: The cancer is relatively small and localised. It hasn’t spread to surrounding lymph nodes or distant body parts. This stage is further divided into IA and IB, depending on the tumour size and grade (how much the cancer cells look like ordinary cells).
– Stage II: In this stage, the cancer is larger but still hasn’t spread to lymph nodes or distant sites. Like Stage I, Stage II is subdivided based on tumour size and grade.
– Stage III: At this stage, the cancer is even larger and may have spread to surrounding lymph nodes but not to distant sites. The grade of the tumour is also considered to determine if it’s IIIA or IIIB.
– Stage IV: This is the most advanced stage, where the cancer has extended to distant body parts, such as the lungs.
The grade of the tumour is an important aspect of staging. It’s determined by how much the cancer cells resemble normal cells. The grading scale goes from G1 to G3, with G1 looking the most like normal cells and G3 looking the least normal. Sometimes, the grade is denoted as GX, which means the grade cannot be assessed.
The staging system most commonly used is the TNM system, which stands for Tumor (size), Nodes (lymph node involvement), & Metastasis (spread to distant sites). Each of these categories is assessed and given a score, contributing to the cancer’s overall stage.
Staging is complex, but it’s a vital part of the cancer treatment process. It helps doctors plan the best course of action and gives patients a clearer understanding of their condition.
How Common Is Soft Tissue Sarcoma?
It’s a rare condition that affects a small number of people worldwide. Globally, soft tissue sarcoma occurs in approximately 1 to 2 individuals per 100,000 each year. To put it into perspective, it constitutes about 0.6% of all cancer cases and 0.7% of all cancer deaths. These numbers suggest that while soft tissue sarcoma is not among the most common cancers, it still impacts a significant number of individuals and families each year.
Soft Tissue Sarcoma Risk Factors
While the exact cause is often unrecognised, certain factors may increase the risk of developing this cancer. Here are some of the primary risk factors:
1. Genetic Factors:
– Some individuals inherit genes that make them more probable to acquire sarcomas. Conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Neurofibromatosis type 1, and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) are examples where inherited genetic changes increase risk.
2. Age:
– Soft tissue sarcoma can occur at any age, but it’s more common in adults, particularly those between 40 and 60 years old. Certain types of sarcoma are more common in children.
3. Previous Cancer Treatment:
– People who have received radiation therapy for other cancers may have a higher risk of getting soft tissue sarcomas later. This is especially true if they are treated with high doses of radiation.
4. Exposure to Chemicals:
– Certain chemicals, such as those used in the rubber and vinyl industries, may increase the risk. Long-term exposure to substances like arsenic or certain herbicides can also be a factor.
5. Obesity:
– Being significantly overweight may increase the risk of developing various kinds of cancers, including soft tissue sarcomas.
6. Chronic Lymphedema:
– Lymphedema is a medical state that causes swelling due to fluid buildup. People who have had lymphedema for a long time, often after surgery or radiation to remove lymph nodes, may have a higher possibility of developing soft tissue sarcoma.
7. Family History:
– If someone in your family has had soft tissue sarcoma or other related cancers, your risk may be more due to shared genetic factors.
8. Certain Medical Conditions:
– Conditions like HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders may also increase the risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma.
While having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee that someone will develop soft tissue sarcoma, it is important to be aware of them.
Soft Tissue Sarcoma Diagnosis
Diagnosing soft tissue sarcoma can be a detailed process because it is a rare type of cancer. Here’s how healthcare professionals typically diagnose it:
1. Medical History and Symptoms
The first step usually involves discussing your medical history with your doctor. They will ask about any symptoms you’ve been experiencing, such as:
– A lump or swelling in your arms, legs, or abdomen.
– Pain or discomfort in the area of the lump.
– Changes in the size of the lump over time.
2. Physical Examination
After discussing your symptoms, your doctor will perform a physical exam. They will check the lump and look for other signs of soft tissue sarcoma. This may include looking for swollen lymph nodes or assessing your overall health.
3. Imaging Tests
If your doctor suspects soft tissue sarcoma, they will likely suggest imaging tests to get a better look at the tumour. Common imaging tests include:
– X-rays: These can help visualise the bones around the tumour.
– Ultrasound: It utilises sound waves to create images of the soft tissues, helping to see the size and shape of the lump.
– CT Scan (Computed Tomography): A CT scan provides detailed cross-sectional pictures of the body, allowing doctors to see the tumour and its surroundings.
– MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI offers even more detailed images of soft tissues and helps assess the extent of the sarcoma.
4. Biopsy
A biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. This implies taking a tiny sample of tissue from the tumour. There are a few ways to perform a biopsy:
– Needle Biopsy: A thin needle extracts tissue from the tumour.
– Incisional Biopsy: A small portion of the tumour is surgically removed.
– Excisional Biopsy: The entire tumour is removed, along with some surrounding tissue.
The tissue sample is then probed under a microscope by a pathologist to decide if it is cancerous and to identify the type of soft tissue sarcoma.
5. Staging the Cancer
If soft tissue sarcoma is diagnosed, the next step is determining its stage. Staging helps understand how advanced the cancer is and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. This may involve additional imaging tests and assessments of lymph nodes.
6. Additional Tests
Sometimes, further tests are needed to understand the specific characteristics of the sarcoma, such as genetic testing or additional imaging to see if the cancer has spread.
Conclusion
Soft tissue sarcoma is a complex cancer that requires timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Understanding its symptoms, stages, and available treatment options is essential for effective management. For many in India, the financial burden of treatment can be overwhelming. This is where crowdfunding platforms can play a crucial role. They provide a way for patients and their families to raise funds from the community, making it easier to cover medical expenses. By sharing their stories, individuals can connect with compassionate supporters who want to help.
