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Soft Tissue Sarcoma

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What Is Soft Tissue Sarcoma?

Soft tissue sarcomas are cancerous tumors that come from the connective tissues (muscle, fat, tendon, nerve).

Soft tissue sarcoma often appears in the following locations:

  • Thigh
  • Buttocks
  • Calf
  • Arm
  • Abdomen

Soft tissue sarcoma causes and risk factors

Soft tissue sarcomas can occur at any age, but are most common in older adults.

Soft tissue sarcoma types

Two subtypes of soft tissue sarcoma are:

  • Rhabdomyosarcoma, which occurs in children.
  • Synovial sarcoma, which occurs in teenagers and young adults.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma Symptoms

Symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma include a growing, painless mass.

Most soft tissue sarcomas do not hurt.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma Treatment

Soft tissue sarcoma is serious, but both curable and treatable.

Soft tissue sarcoma surgery

Soft tissue sarcoma treatment nearly always involves surgery, often with radiation. Doctors may prescribe chemotherapy in certain situations, depending on patient and disease factors.