A sarcoma is a type of cancer that originates in body tissues such as muscle or bone. Thus, distinctions are made between sarcomas based on where they originate, and they are classified into two groups: bone tissue sarcomas and soft tissue sarcoma.
Bone tissue sarcomas
Sarcoma of bone tissue has its origin in connective tissue, which is the group of cells that form the structure of the human body. In this case, there are different types of bone sarcomas: osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma are the most common.
This tumor especially affects children and adolescents, as well as people over 65 years of age.
Soft tissue sarcomas
These sarcomas affect fatty tissues, muscles, nerve and fibrous tissues, as well as blood vessels.
Most of these tumors originate in the legs and arms, although sometimes they also appear in internal organs, trunk and head.
How is soft tissue sarcoma detected?
Generally, the patient notices and detects that a mass has appeared and has been growing in some part of his body, although sometimes it is not accompanied by any sign of pain. However, some of the main symptoms to detect sarcomas are:
- Appearance of a lump that has grown progressively.
- Abdominal pain that increases in intensity
How is soft tissue sarcoma diagnosed?
The physician must assess the patient’s medical history, thus knowing the risk factors. Along the same lines, some diagnostic tests should be performed, so an imaging study will be performed, such as an X-ray, an MRI or an ultrasound.
In turn, a biopsy will be performed to know the interior and the nature of the mass.
Treatment of soft tissue sarcoma
The main treatment for soft tissue sarcoma is surgery when it is well localized. In this way, a surgical excision is performed in which the tumor is removed without breaking it. At the same time, a significant amount of healthy adjacent tissue is removed, as this reduces the risk of relapse.
Surgical treatment is complemented in some cases with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.