Soft tissue sarcomas are rare cancers that affect the body’s soft tissues, such as muscle, fat, nerves, and blood vessels. Treatment for soft tissue sarcoma depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as other factors such as age and overall health.
Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments. Surgery is the most common treatment and is usually the first step. In some cases, the tumor can be completely removed, and may be followed up with radiation therapy or chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. If the tumor is too large or located in an area that is difficult to remove surgically, a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used.
Chemotherapy is used to shrink the tumor before surgery, and can also be used after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. Radiation therapy is used to kill cancer cells and shrink the tumor. It is usually used after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence, but can also be used as a primary treatment for some types of sarcoma.
Targeted therapy is a newer type of treatment that uses medications to target specific genes or proteins in cancer cells. This type of treatment is most commonly used in cases where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
It is important to discuss all of your treatment options with your doctor, as well as the risks and potential side effects of each treatment. With the right treatment and care, soft tissue sarcomas can be treated successfully.