Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma

Your healthcare provider reviews your medical history and performs a physical exam. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), for your arms and legs, or a CT scan (computerized tomography), for your abdominal areas, are the main radiology tests healthcare providers use to determine tumor size and involvement of your blood vessels and nerves.

A biopsy, which is the collection of a sample of your tissue for examination under a microscope, also helps your healthcare provider make an accurate diagnosis. Examination of the cell structure of the tumor (histology) is the primary method for identifying the type of soft tissue cancer. Despite a common misconception, a biopsy doesn’t “spread” tumor cells.

A CT scan can also help your healthcare provider assess whether the cancer has spread to other areas like your lungs.

Your healthcare provider uses information about the tumor size, the types of cells it contains and whether it has spread to determine the stage of cancer. Staging helps your healthcare provider recommend the best treatment options and determine your prognosis.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.