Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is an extremely rare form of cancer that primarily affects children and young adults, usually between the ages of 10 and 25. It typically affects the legs, but can also occur in the arms, neck, head, and torso. It is usually found as a single tumor, but can sometimes occur in multiple locations.
ASPS is so rare that only 1 to 2 cases per million people are diagnosed every year. It is more common in females than males, and is most often diagnosed in Caucasians. It tends to be more aggressive than other soft tissue sarcomas, and may spread easily to other parts of the body.
Treatment for ASPS typically involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Surgery is usually the primary treatment, and is used to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used to control the spread of the cancer and reduce the chance of recurrence.
Due to its rarity, ASPS is not well-understood. As such, it is important for patients to seek the advice of an experienced oncologist and get regular follow-up care. Research is ongoing to better understand the disease and develop more effective treatments.