Soft tissue sarcomas are a type of cancer located in the body’s soft tissues, which include fat, muscles, nerves, fibrous tissues, and blood vessels. Soft tissue sarcomas can occur in any part of the body and can range in size from very small to very large. While most soft tissue sarcomas are cancerous, there are some rare instances where they are not.
Non-cancerous soft tissue sarcomas are classified as benign and occur when abnormal cells form a lump or mass but don't spread to other parts of the body. These types of sarcomas are usually slow-growing, and they tend to stay in the same place, making them easier to treat. Examples of benign soft tissue sarcomas include lipomas, which are fatty lumps, and fibromas, which are usually found on or near the skin.
In contrast, cancerous soft tissue sarcomas are classified as malignant and can spread to other parts of the body, making them more difficult to treat. They tend to grow quickly and are more likely to recur if not completely removed. Examples of malignant soft tissue sarcomas include rhabdomyosarcomas, which are found in the muscle tissue, and leiomyosarcomas, which are found in smooth muscle tissue.
To determine if a soft tissue sarcoma is cancerous or not, doctors typically take a tissue sample and analyze it under a microscope. This is known as a biopsy, and it allows the doctor to determine the type of cells present in the tumor, as well as if they are cancerous or not. If the cells are malignant, treatment will usually involve surgery to remove the tumor as well as chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
In conclusion, while most soft tissue sarcomas are cancerous, there are some rare instances that are benign. If a soft tissue sarcoma is suspected, a doctor will typically take a tissue sample and analyze it to determine if the cells are cancerous or not. If the cells are malignant, treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor as well as chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.