Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are malignant tumors that grow in the body's soft tissues, including the muscles, tendons, fat, blood vessels, and nerves. The most common sites of STS are the arms, legs, chest, abdomen, and the area around the shoulder blades.
STS can spread to other parts of the body, usually through the lymph nodes or bloodstream. The first places that STS tends to spread to are the lungs, liver, and other distant sites, such as the bones and brain.
Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Soft tissue sarcoma is usually diagnosed with a combination of tests, including imaging studies such as CT and MRI scans, biopsy, and blood tests. A biopsy is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of STS.
Treatment of Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Treatment for STS will depend on the type and stage of the tumor, as well as the patient's age and overall health. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or targeted therapy. Surgery is usually the first step in treating STS, and may be used to remove the tumor or stop it from spreading.
Prognosis of Soft Tissue Sarcoma
The prognosis for STS depends on the type of tumor, the stage of the cancer, and how well the patient responds to treatment. Generally, the earlier the cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis.