What Is Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma?

 

Soft tissue sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops from the soft tissues of the body, such as fat, muscle, nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels or deep skin tissues. They usually develop in the arms or legs but can occur anywhere in the body, including the trunk, head, neck, internal organs, and the area in the back of the abdomen. There are more than 50 different types of soft tissue sarcomas.

Liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma are 2 types of soft tissue sarcoma. Liposarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma that develops in fat cells. Leiomyosarcoma develops in smooth muscles, such as the uterus.

Find out more at the American Cancer Society.

 

What are the possible risk factors for soft tissue sarcoma?

No lifestyle risk factors, such as diet, exercise, or smoking have been linked to the development of soft tissue sarcomas. However, the following have been identified as risk factors:

  • Radiation
    Using radiation to treat other cancers, such as breast cancer or lymphoma may lead to the development of soft tissue sarcoma. The average time between radiation and diagnosis of sarcoma is about 10 years.
  • Family cancer syndromes
    These are disorders caused by genetic defects that are usually inherited. These include neurofibromatosis, Gardner syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, retinoblastoma, Werner syndrome, Gorlin syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis.
  • Damaged lymph system
    When lymph nodes have been removed by surgery or damaged by radiation therapy, lymph fluid can build up and cause swelling, which may (rarely) lead to cancer.

Find out more at the American Cancer Society.

 

What are the soft tissue sarcoma signs and symptoms?

Many sarcomas begin as a lump in the arm or leg that may or may not be painful. Other sarcomas may develop on the outside of the chest or abdomen or in the head or neck area. When sarcomas develop in the back of the abdomen, it may cause pain and blockage or bleeding of the stomach or bowels.

Find out more at the American Cancer Society.

 

How are liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma treated?

Liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma are 2 types of soft tissue sarcoma. The selection of treatment depends on the type, location, and stage or site of the tumor. The main types of treatment include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. Your doctor will discuss your treatment options based on your personal situation and current overall health.

Find out more at the American Cancer Society.

YONDELIS® is a prescription medicine used to treat people with liposarcoma or leiomyosarcoma that cannot be treated with surgery or has spread to other areas of the body and who have received treatment with certain other medicines.

Find out more about treatment with YONDELIS®.