Soft tissue sarcomas are malignant (cancerous) tumors that develop in tissues which connect, support, or surround other structures and organs of the body. Muscles, tendons (bands of fiber that connect muscles to bones), fibrous tissues, fat, blood vessels, and nerves are types of soft tissue. Soft tissue sarcomas are grouped together because they share certain features, have similar symptoms, and are generally treated in similar ways. They are usually named for the type of tissue in which they begin.
Experts at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center understand soft tissue sarcomas and work as a team to design the best treatment plan. A typical team is made up of surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists, as well as social workers, and nurses. Treatment plans may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Clinical trials
- Radiation therapy - external or internal beam
- Surgery
- Mohs surgery: removes skin one layer at a time
- Wide excision surgery: removes the tumor and some healthy tissue around it
- Limb-sparing surgery: removes the tumor so the use of the arm or leg is saved
- Amputation: removal of part or all of the arm or leg