Soft Tissue Masses: Diagnosis and Surgery for Benign and Cancerous Tumors (Sarcoma)
Last updated Friday, January 18, 2008
AboutWhat is masses? Edited By: Jason S. Weisstein,
M.D, MPH Soft
tissue tumors are cell growths that emerge nearly anywhere in the body: in tendons,
muscles, ligaments, cartilage, nerves, blood vessels, fat, and other tissues. Patients
commonly refer to these masses as lumps or bumps. IMAGE 1 illustrates the
appearance of a patient who presented with a benign soft tissue mass in the
arm. Image 2 illustrates the appearance of a
sarcoma in the thigh. Note the large size of the mass along with the overlying
skin changes in Image 2.
Soft
tissue tumors can be cancerous or benign. Benign masses are thought to occur 10
times more frequently than cancerous growths (referred to medically as sarcomas).
Generally these growths are roughly round in shape, but they also can be or
elliptical or elongated like a sausage. Masses greater than 5 cm (2 inches) carry
the highest risk of being malignant and merit a medical evaluation.
They can
feel firm or soft. Benign masses are more likely to be painful to the touch,
such as with an abscess. Benign tumors also tend to grow more slowly, and many
are smaller than 5 cm (2 inches) at their longest point.
Sarcomas (cancerous
growths) more often are painless. Cancerous masses are more likely to grow
rapidly, and to have fingerlets or satellite lesions around them.
According
to the National Cancer Institute, about 43 percent of sarcomas occur in arms
and legs; 34 percent occur in and around internal organs; 10 percent occur in
the chest and back region; and 13 percent occur in other locations.
The
masses – benign or cancerous – come to clinical attention more quickly when
they are located in the arms and legs, as opposed to the chest or abdomen,
because less room exists in arms and legs for such masses to be mistaken for
other bodily structures. What symptoms indicate that masses needs immediate medical attention? A newly
found soft tissue mass is rarely an emergent condition. Not all soft tissue
masses require surgery, and removal of a known benign tumor can be safely
delayed. However, any suspected (cancerous growth) should be worked-up and biopsied as soon as
possible so further treatment can be rendered.
Any newly
discovered mass of unknown origin that is growing should be evaluated by a
specialist. Any sprain or hematoma (bruise) that lasts longer than six weeks
merits additional medical scrutiny for the possibility of sarcoma (cancerous
growth). What are some common misconceptions (common misunderstandings or myths) about masses? Depending
on its location, a soft tissue mass often is initially misdiagnosed as a muscle
sprain, hematoma, or old trauma that will heal in time. Such misperceptions can
contribute to delayed diagnoses of soft tissue tumors – often as long as three
to six months after the patient's initial discovery of a bump or lump. Because
the tissue masses often cause no pain, people tend to think the bumps are not
harmful.Surgery for masses at the University of Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4288 (outside the Seattle area: 800-440-3280) to make an appointment.
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