Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare cancer that affects the body's soft tissues such as muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 11,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma each year.
Soft tissue sarcomas can occur in any part of the body, but are most commonly found in the arms and legs, trunk, head and neck, and the abdomen. Most soft tissue sarcomas occur in adults, but they can affect children as well.
The exact cause of soft tissue sarcoma is unknown, but certain environmental and lifestyle factors may increase a person’s risk. These include exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, and having a family history of the disease.
In the United States, soft tissue sarcoma is the 14th most common cancer. It accounts for only 1% of all new cancer diagnoses. However, the National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 5,000 people will die from soft tissue sarcoma in the United States each year.
Overall, approximately 11,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma each year, and approximately 5,000 will die from it.