This is a type of cancer that has its effects on the Soft tissue or support structures of the body. It is most often in connective tissue such as the tendons, fat, fascia ligaments, and the synovium of the joints. And it can also occur in other soft tissue including muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. It is very rare and it comprises about one percent of new cancers.
For most Soft tissue sarcomas, there is no known cause.
Environmental factors can be radiation exposure, chemical exposures (such as vinyl chloride,
dioxin, arsenical pesticides)
Immunosuppression and viruses (human immunodeficiency virus, human herpesvirus type)
Genetic factors :
– Li-Fraumeni syndrome
– Werner syndrome
– Neurofibromatosis type 1
– Familial adenomatous polyposis
Soft tissue sarcoma often does not cause symptoms in the early stages.
The extent of the treatment will depend on the stage of the sarcoma, on the characteristics of the tumor, and the risks for the patient. Planning of the treatment involves a multidisciplinary team who discuss and finalize treatment according to the relevant information mentioned before. The treatment will usually combine therapies that: