Soft tissue sarcomas are a rare type of cancer that can develop in the soft tissues of the body, including the muscles, tendons, fat, nerves, blood vessels, and deep skin tissues. They are often hard to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. The rarest type of soft tissue sarcoma is often referred to as undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma.
Symptoms of Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma
Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma can occur anywhere in the body, but is most commonly found in the arms, legs, and trunk. It usually grows slowly and may not cause any symptoms in the early stages. Symptoms generally develop when the tumor grows larger and begins to press on nearby structures. Common symptoms include:
• Pain or tenderness in the affected area
• A lump or mass that can be felt
• Swelling in the affected area
• Skin changes, such as warmth, redness, or ulceration
Diagnosis of Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma
Diagnosis of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma usually begins with a physical examination followed by imaging tests, such as an X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A biopsy may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma
Treatment for undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma depends on the size and location of the tumor. Surgery is usually the first line of treatment, and radiation and chemotherapy may be used as well. In some cases, the tumor may be too large or located in an area that makes surgery difficult. In these cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be the best option.