Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose soft tissue sarcoma often include imaging and biopsy techniques. Imaging tests create detailed pictures of the inside of the body and help show the size and location of the tumor. Common imaging tests include X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans and PET scans. These tests also help determine whether the cancer has spread to other areas.

A biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis. This involves removing a sample of tissue for examination in a laboratory. Because the biopsy must be performed in a way that does not interfere with future surgical treatment, it is recommended to seek care at a medical center experienced in treating soft tissue sarcoma. Skilled healthcare teams select the most appropriate biopsy method based on the location and characteristics of the tumor.

Biopsy procedures may include:

• Core needle biopsy, which uses a needle to remove small samples of tissue from different parts of the tumor.

• Surgical biopsy, which may be used when a larger sample of tissue is needed.

The biopsy sample is examined by a pathologist, who identifies whether the cells are cancerous and determines the type of cancer. Additional lab tests may provide further details about the tumor, which helps guide treatment planning.

Treatment

Treatment for soft tissue sarcoma depends on the size, type and location of the cancer. Several treatment approaches may be used individually or in combination to achieve the best outcome.

Surgery is one of the most common treatment options. The surgeon removes the cancer along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure all cancer cells are removed. Many soft tissue sarcomas occur in the arms or legs. In the past, removing the entire limb was common, but advances in care allow limb-sparing techniques. In some cases, radiation or chemotherapy is used before surgery to shrink the tumor, making it easier to remove without affecting the limb.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams such as X-rays or protons to kill cancer cells. The treatment may be used before surgery to shrink the tumor, during surgery to directly target the area, or after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. The approach depends on the specific characteristics of the cancer and the goal of treatment.

Chemotherapy uses strong medicines to destroy cancer cells. These medicines are often given through a vein. Some types of soft tissue sarcoma respond better to chemotherapy than others, such as rhabdomyosarcoma. Your healthcare team will determine if chemotherapy is appropriate based on the cancer diagnosis.

Targeted therapy focuses on specific chemicals within cancer cells. By blocking these signals, targeted treatments can cause the cancer cells to die. Tumor cells may be tested to see if targeted therapy could be effective. This treatment is especially useful for certain types of soft tissue sarcoma, such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors.