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Soft Tissue Masses: Diagnosis and Surgery for Benign and Cancerous Tumors (Sarcoma)

Last updated Friday, January 18, 2008

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Symptoms

Anatomy

According to the National Cancer Institute, about 43 percent of sarcomas (cancerous growths) occur in the 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.

Initial symptoms

Soft tissue tumors offer little warning. They can emerge as a lump or bump slowly or quickly in any part of the body.

Symptoms

The emergence of the mass itself is the most common symptom. It is usually round or oval in its dimensions. It often is painless, causing notice or discomfort only in cases when it compresses a nerve or irritates other tissue. A rapid rate of increase in size of a mass suggests the possibility of malignancy.

Progression

Depending on the tumor’s etiology, it can grow quickly or slowly. Some soft tissue masses that are initially benign can transform into malignancies. This is often heralded by an abrupt increase in the size of a previously quiescent mass. Research suggests that a malignant mass that emerges in an arm or leg is usually greater than 5 cm (2 inches) in size and deep-seated (often in muscle).

Secondary effects

Depending on the tumor’s etiology and location, it can displace or compress nerves, blood vessels, and other bodily structures, affecting their function.

Conditions with similar symptoms

A hematoma, cyst from arthritis, or swelling from a sprain or strain might be confused with a soft tissue tumor.

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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