Soft tissue Sarcomas
Soft tissue Sarcomas
Soft tissue sarcomas are rare malignant tumors arising from connective tissues such as muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, and fibrous tissues anywhere in the body. Over 50 subtypes exist, including liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma.
These cancers often present as a painless, gradually enlarging lump deep in the thigh, arm, retroperitoneum, or trunk. Symptoms like pain or functional limitation appear late, contributing to delayed diagnosis. Unlike carcinomas, sarcomas rarely spread to lymph nodes but commonly metastasize to lungs.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar, trained in Musculoskeletal Oncology at Tata Memorial Centre, provides expert care with accurate subtyping through advanced MRI, CT, and core needle biopsy—essential for planning optimal treatment.
Modern management is multidisciplinary:
- Wide surgical excision with clear margins, often using limb-salvage techniques.
- Preoperative or postoperative radiation therapy to reduce local recurrence.
- Chemotherapy for high-grade or specific subtypes (e.g., Ewing-like or rhabdomyosarcoma).
- Targeted therapies and immunotherapy for select cases.
Advances have significantly improved outcomes, with 5-year survival exceeding 70% for localized disease. Most patients retain excellent function without amputation.
Persistent, painless swelling or a deep lump larger than 5 cm warrants urgent evaluation. Early diagnosis and specialized treatment by an experienced orthopaedic oncosurgeon offer the best chance for cure and preserved quality of life.
Modern management is multidisciplinary:
- Wide surgical excision with clear margins, often using limb-salvage techniques.
- Preoperative or postoperative radiation therapy to reduce local recurrence.
- Chemotherapy for high-grade or specific subtypes (e.g., Ewing-like or rhabdomyosarcoma).
- Targeted therapies and immunotherapy for select cases.
Advances have significantly improved outcomes, with 5-year survival exceeding 70% for localized disease. Most patients retain excellent function without amputation.
Persistent, painless swelling or a deep lump larger than 5 cm warrants urgent evaluation. Early diagnosis and specialized treatment by an experienced orthopaedic oncosurgeon offer the best chance for cure and preserved quality of life.