Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a rare type of cancer that affects the body's soft tissues, such as muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and the lining of joints. Treatment for soft tissue sarcoma depends on the individual patient's specific condition. Generally, the best treatment for soft tissue sarcoma is a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Surgery for Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Surgery is the primary treatment for most soft tissue sarcomas. The goal of surgery is to remove the entire tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, a partial or complete removal of the affected limb may be necessary.
Radiation Therapy for Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. It is generally used in conjunction with surgery to help reduce the chance of the cancer coming back.
Chemotherapy for Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It is usually used in conjunction with surgery and/or radiation therapy to help reduce the chance of the cancer coming back. For STS, chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery, or both.