Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that affects the body’s soft tissues, such as muscles, fat, blood vessels, tendons and ligaments. In children, soft tissue sarcoma is even rarer, accounting for about 3 percent of all childhood cancers.
The most common type of soft tissue sarcoma in children is known as rhabdomyosarcoma. This type of cancer is most likely to develop in the head and neck area, the urinary and reproductive organs, or the arms and legs. It is most commonly diagnosed in children between the ages of five and nine, though it can be seen in children of any age.
Other types of soft tissue sarcoma that can occur in children include: synovial sarcoma, liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. These types are typically diagnosed in older children and adolescents.
Overall, the incidence of soft tissue sarcoma in children is low, with less than 1,000 cases diagnosed in the United States each year. However, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma in children, such as a lump or mass in the area, pain, swelling, and fatigue. If you or your child experience any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor right away for an evaluation.