Soft tissue sarcomas arise from many tissues including fat, muscles, nerves, tendons, and blood and lymph vessels. They are equally divided between the limbs and the torso. There are more than 50 different types of soft-tissue sarcomas and sarcoma-like growths. Sarcomas occur at all ages and in both sexes. Certain age groups have certain sarcomas occur more commonly. For instance, rhabdomyosarcoma is more common in children than in adults. Synovial sarcomas are more common in adolescents.
Causes of Sarcoma
though an exact cause for the development of sarcomas is unknown, there are a number of familial syndromes that can predispose people to sarcoma. These include neurofibromatosis, retinoblastomas, Li_Fraumeni syndrome and Gardner's syndrome. Lynphangiosarcoma, or cancer of the lymph nodes, may develop where lymph nodes have been surgically removed or damaged by radiation therapy. Other factors that have been associated with soft-tissue sarcomas include prior exposure to radiation, chronic swelling of the limbs, or lymph edema, and certain chemical agents. Other risk factors that have not clearly been proven include a family history of the sarcoma, genetic makeup, occupation, lifestyle and occupation.
Signs and Symptoms of Sarcoma
Because they occur in soft, usually elastic tissue that is easily pushed out of the way by a growing tumor, Soft-tissue sarcomas frequently do not produce early symptoms. They often will displace elastic tissue, such as tendon, muscle or fat, and remain undetected for a while. The initial symptom usually is a painless lump. As the mass enlarges, pain and soreness may develop as nerves and muscles and compromised.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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