Soft tissue sarcomas are a rare type of cancer that can develop in the lungs. These tumors are usually made up of cells from the soft tissues in the body such as fat, muscles, nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels, and deep skin tissues. Soft tissue sarcomas can be divided into two categories: primary and secondary.
Primary Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Primary soft tissue sarcomas are those that originate in the lungs and are not caused by another cancer. These tumors are made up of cells from the soft tissues of the lungs, such as fat, muscles, nerves, fibrous tissues, and blood vessels. Primary soft tissue sarcomas can be classified into two types: sarcomatoid carcinomas and non-sarcomatoid carcinomas.
Sarcomatoid Carcinomas
Sarcomatoid carcinomas are the more common type of primary soft tissue sarcoma. These tumors can be aggressive and difficult to treat. Symptoms of sarcomatoid carcinomas include chest pain, coughing up blood, and shortness of breath. Treatment options for sarcomatoid carcinomas may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
Non-Sarcomatoid Carcinomas
Non-sarcomatoid carcinomas are the less common type of primary soft tissue sarcoma. These tumors tend to be more slow-growing and less aggressive than sarcomatoid carcinomas. Symptoms of non-sarcomatoid carcinomas may include chest pain, coughing up blood, and shortness of breath. Treatment options for non-sarcomatoid carcinomas may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
Secondary Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Secondary soft tissue sarcomas are those that originate in another part of the body and spread to the lungs. These tumors are made up of cells from the soft tissues of the original tumor site, such as fat, muscles, nerves, fibrous tissues, and blood vessels. Symptoms of secondary soft tissue sarcomas may include chest pain, coughing up blood, and shortness of breath. Treatment options for secondary soft tissue sarcomas may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.