Soft Tissue Masses: Diagnosis and Surgery for Benign and Cancerous Tumors (Sarcoma)
Last updated Friday, January 18, 2008
AboutBasics of 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. 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). Facts and myths 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.Prognosis Most soft
tissue tumors emerge spontaneously. They merit attention because they could be
cancerous. A sprain or hematoma that lasts longer than six weeks merits
additional medical scrutiny for the possible presence of a soft tissue tumor.
The
risk of recurrence is related to the type of tumor, the adequacy of initial
surgical excision, and the tumor’s location. Rarely, people are genetically
predisposed to have soft tissue masses (e.g., neurofibromatosis, in which
tumors grow on nerves).Lethality Most soft-tissue
tumors are benign. Large masses are more cause for worry. Patients who notice a
mass more than 5 cm (2 inches) at its longest point, or which is painful to the
touch, should consult a physician.
A soft-tissue
sarcoma (cancerous growth) can be a lethal disease. For instance, synovial
sarcoma is an aggressive cancer that accounts for 7 percent to 10 percent of
soft-tissue sarcomas, and usually develops in the arms or legs of young adults.
Research shows that as few as 25 percent of those patients with disease that
has metastasized, or spread, to other parts of the body survive five years. Pain The
majority of soft tissue masses are painless -- unless they are irritating a
nerve nearby – and this is a primary reason why many masses are not diagnosed
until they have developed significantly in size. Soft tissue masses may cause
skin discoloration if blood flow increases to the region or if veins are
distended, but usually skin around the mass retains its normal color.Debilitation Prompt
and accurate diagnosis is important to help avoid debilitating complications. Soft
tissue tumors often are not physically debilitating, at least initially, and
this contributes to their ability to grow undetected. Patients who notice a
mass more than 5 cm (2 inches) at its longest point, or which is painful to the
touch, should consult a physician.
A
sarcoma (cancerous growth) could result in amputation of an arm or leg or
functional loss of a limb. A benign tumor could, in some cases, be debilitating
too. For example a soft tissue mass deep in the pelvis could impede the
function of an organ, such as the bowel, or interfere with local nerves or
blood flow.Comfort In some
cases, a soft tissue tumor could cause a patient discomfort, especially if
there is local irritation of a nerve or blood vessel. A tumor on someone's foot
could impede his or her ability to wear shoes and walk comfortably. A mass
pressing against the stomach could cause discomfort with the patient's
digestion, and similarly, a mass next to the rectum could cause constipation.Curability Some
of the 50 subtypes of sarcomas (cancerous growths) are curable with a
combination of surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation. Other sarcomas are more
aggressive and more challenging to treat.Fertility and pregnancy In
most cases, a soft tissue tumor in and of itself will not impede one’s ability
to have children or get pregnant. Sometimes, chemotherapy can interfere with
the function of the ovaries or testes. Therefore, any patient planning for a
pregnancy should have a thorough discussion with her medical oncologist.Independence The
body has an amazing capacity to recover from many surgeries in which soft
tissue masses are removed. In many areas of the body, muscles are redundant and
can compensate well for removal of muscle or soft tissue. In some cases,
however, a soft tissue tumor could affect a patient's independence; for
example, surgeons might have to remove a nerve to effectively remove a sarcoma
(cancerous growth), requiring a patient to wear a brace or follow a program of physical
therapy to regain full mobility. Sarcomas that result in amputation of a limb
could change a patient's independence dramatically. Thankfully, modern
prosthetic devices have been particularly successful for restoration of
independence in the amputee population.Mobility Depending
on its location, a soft tissue tumor could affect a patient's mobility. For example,
a tissue mass on a patient's foot or pressing against a patient's nerve could
reduce mobility. Similarly, surgeons might have to remove a nerve or muscle to
effectively remove a sarcoma (cancerous growth), which could compromise
mobility.Daily activities A
soft tissue tumor could inhibit or change a patient's ability to maintain daily
work tasks or activities. A tumor on a patient's finger or hand could impede
typing, for instance; a tumor that involves a nerve could cause a patient to
reduce his or her activities because of pain or functional deficit.Energy A soft
tissue mass in and of itself usually does not cause fatigue or changes in
metabolism. A newly found mass may elicit patient anxiety which may lead to
fatigue.
Chemotherapy
treatment for a sarcoma (cancerous growth) could cause a patient fatigue, as
well.Diet Soft
tissue tumors typically do not require changes in diet.Relationships A sarcoma
(cancerous growth) or benign tissue mass may have implications for social
relationships. For example, a tissue mass that affects a patient's sexual function could affect social relationships.
People
who are diagnosed with soft tissue tumors are often anxious because of the
presence of their mass and need strong social support to help them through the
diagnosis and possible treatment. It is important to remember that treatment
helps the majority of patients with these tumors, enabling individuals to live
full, active lives.Other impacts Nerve
or muscle disability might result from a surgeon’s resecting of those tissues
to remove a tumor. Rarely, an amputation is needed to effectively treat a
sarcoma (cancerous growth). Research suggests that children have an easier time
adjusting to an artificial limb than adults.Incidence Some 10,000
new soft tissue and bone sarcomas (cancerous growths) are diagnosed annually in
the United States. Benign soft tissue tumors are discovered at a significantly
higher rate than sarcomas.
Soft
tissue tumors affect every segment of the population. However, sarcomas occur
more often in children and young adults, and men have a slightly higher rate of
sarcoma than women.
Some
sarcomas are more prevalent among specific populations. For example, synovial
sarcoma is more often found in young adults.
In the
vast majority of cases, a soft tissue tumor is a spontaneous occurrence without
a well-defined cause. Acquisition Evidence suggests
that some genetic disorders and mutations predispose people to benign and cancerous
soft tissue tumors. Exposure to radiation and environmental carcinogens has
been associated with soft tissue tumors. Kaposi’s sarcoma is an example
of an infection-induced soft tissue tumor –resulting from a type of herpes in patients
who also have HIV.
Most
people with a soft tissue tumor do not have a well-defined cause for their
tumor. Lifestyle factors, injury, and infection have not been consistently
proven to cause soft tissue tumors in the majority of cases. Genetics Rare
genetic abnormalities and disorders can predispose people to benign and
malignant soft tissue tumors. For example, a gene linked to neurofibromatosis –
nerve-sheath tumors – has shown likelihood to become cancerous. Communicability Soft
tissue tumors are not contagious.Lifestyle risk factors Lifestyle
and diet are not thought to play a role in the emergence of soft tissue tumors
– benign or cancerous.Injury & trauma risk factors Historically
there have been many case associations between trauma and soft tissue masses, but
data does not support trauma as the cause of such masses. More likely is that
the trauma drew medical attention to the existing tissue mass.
One
exception would be a ganglion cyst, a common, benign fluid-filled soft tissue
mass that can be caused by injury. A ganglion cyst might develop after a knee
injury, for instance. Such cysts usually move about more freely and are much
softer than a sarcoma (cancerous growth).Prevention Soft
tissue tumors cannot be prevented, per se, but any discovered mass of unknown
etiology that is growing should be evaluated by a specialist. Any sprain or
hematoma that lasts longer than six weeks merits additional medical scrutiny.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.Causes The
cause of most soft tissue tumors is not known. Evidence suggests that some
genetic disorders and mutations predispose people to benign and cancerous soft
tissue tumors. Exposure to radiation has a strong association with the
development of a sarcoma (cancerous growth). There are weak associations of
soft tissue tumors with exposure to environmental carcinogens.Effects A soft
tissue tumor grows, slowly or quickly, in the body, based on its etiology. Generally,
soft tissue tumors grow in a round orientation, though some can grow more oval
or sausage-shaped. Most such growths remain within borders of fascia tissue,
though they can cross such boundaries as they grow.
They can
grow around bones, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and other structures,
causing compression or change in function of those structures.
Occasionally,
a sarcoma (cancerous growth) can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the
body, usually the lungs. Diagnosis Patients
presenting with soft tissue masses are evaluated and their clinical history
taken. Diagnostic tests might include X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
positron emission tomography (PET) scan, computed tomography (CT) scan, bone
scan, and angiogram. IMAGE 3 illustrates the appearance of a soft tissue mass
on MRI. This “fatty mass” in light color is a lipoma. IMAGE 4 illustrates the
appearance of a sarcoma (cancerous growth) in the back of a person’s thigh.
With
this information in hand, the physician would biopsy the mass to diagnose its
etiology. If a biopsy is needed, the surgeon who does the biopsy should be the
person who will remove the mass. If the mass is benign, often surgeons will
remove it immediately, but it may not require removal. If the mass is
malignant, it likely will be treated with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation
(or a combination thereof).Diagnostic tests Patients
presenting with soft tissue masses are evaluated and their clinical history
taken. Diagnostic tests might include X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
positron emission tomography (PET) scan, computed tomography (CT) scan, bone
scan, and angiogram. IMAGE 5 is the appearance of a soft tissue mass on the
chest wall. CT scan (IMAGE 6) was necessary to precisely localize the area of
the mass. The mass was found to arise from a rib.
These
tests indicate the tissue mass’ orientation within and across surrounding
structures, such as nerves and bones, and the mass’ aggressiveness and any
suggestion that it has metastasized, or will.
Effects The
imaging required to work-up a soft tissue tumor is fairly painless. If contrast
is used for a CT scan, then an intravenous line may be needed. Some people get
claustrophobic in the MRI scanner machine, and need medicine to prevent
anxiety. A biopsy of a soft tissue tumor causes minimal pain and discomfort.Health care team Soft
tissue masses can emerge anywhere in the body, and specialists cross the
spectrum of physician expertise. Orthopedic oncologists tend to perform
resections from the arms and legs, pelvis, spine and occasionally the chest
wall; general surgical oncologists tend to operate when tumors are located in
the abdomen or pelvis. Otolaryngologists and/or neurosurgeons typically perform
surgery to remove head and neck tumors. Spinal specialists often assist with
spinal surgeries.Finding a doctor Surgical
care of soft tissue tumors should be performed in specialty centers
well-practiced in sarcoma (cancerous growth) surgeries. There is good evidence
in the medical literature to support this idea.
Surgeons
remove some 40,000 soft tissue masses every year in the United States; 10,000
of these are sarcomas – a relatively low number, compared with incidences of breast
cancer or prostate cancer, for example. Given this, relatively fewer surgeons
in the United States specialize in the care of soft tissue tumors, malignant or
benign.
Patients
should seek out a surgeon who has a high volume practice and much experience in
treating soft tissue tumors. The American Academy of Orthopaedic
Surgeons or the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society are
reliable resources for identifying surgeons with the above-mentioned
qualifications. Treatment Upon diagnosis, a soft tissue mass can be observed or
prepared for removal from the patient’s body.
Benign fat tumors (lipoma), for example, can be observed,
rather than removed, with a recommendation of routine surveillance for the
patient – an MRI every six to 12 months, depending on the tumor’s location.
Patients have lived for decades with slow-growing benign tumors instead of
having them removed immediately.
If a sarcoma (cancerous growth) is diagnosed, doctors
recommend expeditious treatment involving surgery, chemotherapy, radiation
therapy or a combination thereof.
For any soft tissue tumor, the surgeon's goal is to remove
all of the tumor. With cancerous tumors, surgeons more aggressively remove
surrounding tissue. But doing so may leave a greater resulting soft-tissue
defect for the patient, requiring the expertise of a reconstructive surgeon to
help fill or make the area more cosmetically appealing.
The
challenge of surgery depends largely on the tumor's location. Proximity of
blood vessels, nerves and other vital tissues contribute to a surgery's
technical difficulty. The tumor's size and its etiology contribute to the
length of the procedure and the surgeon's ability to remove all of the tumor.Self-management Patients
cannot treat soft tissue tumors. If a patient suspects a soft-tissue tumor, he
or she could take the initiative to schedule an appointment with a family
doctor.Health care team Soft
tissue masses can emerge anywhere in the body, and specialists cross the
spectrum of physician expertise. A fundamental principle of soft tissue tumor
management is that the biopsy and surgery be performed by the same individual. Orthopedic
oncologists tend to perform resections from the arms and legs, pelvis, spine
and occasionally the chest wall; general surgical oncologists tend to operate
when tumors are oriented in the abdomen or pelvis. Otolaryngologists and/or
neurosurgeons typically perform surgery to remove head and neck tumors. Spinal
specialists often assist with spinal surgeries. Vascular surgeons may be
necessary if reconstruction of a an artery is necessary.Pain and fatigue Acetaminophen,
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and, infrequently, narcotic pain
medicines may be used for relief from pain caused by soft tissue tumors.Diet Diet
is not known to be able to beneficially treat a soft tissue tumor.Exercise and therapy Exercise,
therapy, rest and posture changes are not known to help treat a soft tissue
tumor.Medications Most
of the times, medications are not called for in treating benign soft tissue
masses. For tissue masses diagnosed as sarcomas (cancerous growths), chemotherapy
medications may be used in treatment. Hormonal therapy or non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory medicine have been used with varying results to treat
desmoids (benign, locally aggressive fibrous tumors).Surgery
When
performed by an experienced surgeon, excision/resection of a soft tissue mass
is very effective. Benign soft tissue tumors are treated with surgery alone. In
cases of sarcoma (cancerous growth), surgery often is indicated as the best
potential resolution, often in concert with chemotherapy and radiation
treatment.
For a
patient facing such surgery, a comprehensive clinical evaluation of the patient
should have been done one or two visits beforehand. Patients should educate
themselves about surgical options and risk, and their doctor's experience, in
advance of surgery.
Many soft
tissue resections require patients to stay overnight afterward, at least one or
two days and potentially longer, depending on the invasiveness of the
procedure. Many patients have drains inserted with surgery so edema fluid does
not build up under the wound. Postoperatively, hospital staff monitors the
drainage as well as signs of infection and healing. Many patients receive oral
antibiotics to prevent infection, and receive pain medication orally or by IV
for a day or two after surgery.
Patients
who have been treated with radiation before surgery are more vulnerable to infection
afterward, as radiation can affect the integrity of the skin, making wound
healing more problematic.
Patients
may have residual discomfort from surgery, and take anti-inflammatory or pain
medication orally for a week or two afterward. Most patients can manage pain
well after surgery.
Depending
on the location of surgery, patients may need to go therapy to fully recover to
their preoperative strength and activity level. Tumors that involve a major
portion of muscle in the lower leg, for example, could need weeks or months of
a physical therapy program. Some patients may require amputation of a limb if
the soft tissue tumor cannot be safely removed otherwise. Those patients could
face a prolonged recovery.Joint aspiration Joint
aspiration is the process of removing some fluid from the sore joint(s). It is
not indicated as a treatment for soft tissue tumors.Splints or braces In
cases in which a tumor is excised from a leg and adversely affects musculature
that enables a patient to walk, the patient might benefit from use of a brace or
splint in rehabilitation.Alternative remedies Some
practitioners and patients suggest that yoga, acupuncture, and relaxation
techniques may be integrated with more traditional approaches to yield a more
holistic healing.Social impacts Chemotherapy
and radiation treatment for a sarcoma (cancerous growth) can have side effects
such as lethargy, hair loss and nausea that likely would impact a patient’s
energy for social interactions.
Removal
of a large tumor also could leave a visible deficit, or sunken area, which
might not entirely be repairable by reconstructive surgery. Such a deficit
might affect a patient’s outlook or heighten a feeling of self-consciousness.
The
diagnosis of a sarcoma involves long-term follow-up with a physician. Some
patients need to travel long distances to see their specialist. This may pose
challenges to one’s personal life.Long-term management If not
removed entirely by surgery, the growth of benign tumors should be monitored
regularly by the patient and every six months to a year by the physician.
In cases
of sarcoma (cancerous growth), patients should have regular rechecks of their
condition to monitor whether the cancer has metastasized or recurred. Often
tumors are treated with weeks or months of radiation to combat their likelihood
of recurrence. The risk of recurrence is related to the type of tumor, the
adequacy of initial surgical excision, and tumor location.
Patients
for whom safe removal of sarcoma necessitated amputation of a limb could face a
prolonged therapeutic recovery.Unproven remedies Naturopathic
approaches for treatment of soft tissue tumors are largely unproven.Strategies for coping A
sarcoma’s ability to go undetected in the body is troublesome, even after the
growth is discovered. Initially, the patient might struggle with not knowing
whether a soft tissue tumor is cancerous or benign. After surgery, a patient
might feel emotionally exhausted from worry about whether to anticipate
recurrence of such a tumor.
A patient
might take comfort in knowing that three of every four soft tissue masses
discovered are benign. Nevertheless, a majority of patients express fear and
anxiety with the recognition of such masses.
Patients
who experience great anxiety in learning of a cancerous tumor, or learning of a
benign tumor in a dangerous location in the body, might seek help from family,
friends, a mental health professional, a hospital’s pastoral care group, or
through nontraditional therapies such as reiki.Asking for help Cancer
patients and their families should learn as much as they can about the disease.
Sometimes talking with a family member or friend can provide much needed
emotional support. Working with a counselor, psychologist, or social worker
helps some people with cancer to develop better coping skills.
Support
groups have been a source of help for thousands of cancer patients.
Sarcoma Alliance, Sarcoma Foundation of America, and Northwest Sarcoma Foundation are a few of
the several organizations that offer support networks for patients coping with
cancerous soft tissue masses.Work Most
people with a soft-tissue tumor can continue to work. Doctors and work
supervisors should be able to help people make any needed changes to relieve discomfort.
This could include adjusting a work area or reducing the amount of time spent doing
particular tasks. An occupation therapist can help find ways to modify activities
or suggest tool modifications.Family and friends
Children
may feel angry, sad or self-conscious about having a tumor. Acceptance and
settling into a routine will benefit everyone in the family.
When
parents are first told that their child has cancer, for example, they might
feel shocked, numbed, or disbelieving. They might also feel guilty, and ask
themselves if something they did or didn't do caused their child's condition.
The child
with a tumor may feel "hurt" by an illness that isn't their fault,
blame parents for the illness, adopt a "why me?" attitude, engage in
self-pity or become angry. They may resent other children who are well,
including brothers and sisters.
Other
children might feel left out and resentful because of the amount of time and
attention the child with cancer requires. Or they may feel guilty, as if their
normal "bad thoughts" towards their brother or sister had somehow
caused the illness.
Children might
over-identify with the brother or sister with special needs. Some feel a
pressure to achieve or make up for what their brother or sister can no longer
do. Others want to involve themselves in care-giving – to the point where they
give up their own normal activities. In these cases, try to help siblings find
other ways to deal with their feelings. Whenever possible, brothers and sisters
should be allowed to settle their own differences. Siblings should be
encouraged to talk with peers who live in homes with similar concerns. The key
to dealing with all these emotions is to talk about them with one another.
Children
should be encouraged to learn as much as they can about cancer and their
treatment program. Older children can be responsible for taking medications on
time, reporting any medication side effects to you, and following an exercise
program. This may help prepare them for the change to adult health-care.
Children
with cancer should not be overprotected. They might become too dependent if
their parents do everything for them or if the parents keep them from tasks
they are capable of doing. Parents should not be manipulated into allowing
activities that shouldn't be done, but should compromise when possible.
Consistency will help children learn what is expected.
Parents
should plan special time to spend alone with their spouse, or with the entire
family. When their child first becomes ill, they may set aside relationships
with other family members. It is important, however, to continue to talk and
spend time with all family members.Adaptive aids Patients
for whom safe removal of sarcoma (cancerous growth) left them less mobile might
find aid in crutches, braces, a cane, or a walker – or if a leg was amputated,
in prostheses. A wheelchair may be necessary short-term if walking ability has
been affected or for elderly patients who have difficulty walking. Wheelchairs
may be required by some people. Special reaching devices are available to ensure
that patients can reach whatever they need.Stress Support
from family, friends, or a support group often helps patients cope with stress
related to a soft tissue tumor. Sarcoma (cancerous growth) patients often find
it helpful to speak to other individuals who have been through treatment for
this rare diagnosis. Sarcoma
Alliance, Sarcoma Foundation of
America, and Northwest Sarcoma
Foundation are among the organizations that can put patients in touch with
other sarcoma survivors.Resources
Cancer Lifeline in Seattle
The
Sarcoma Alliance
The
Northwest Sarcoma Foundation
The
Sarcoma Foundation of America Condition research Benign
tumors do not always require removal or further treatment. With cancerous
tumors, a significant volume of ongoing research studies treatment methods. Novel
chemotherapy drugs are being tested in multicenter clinical trials, and
researchers are trying to identify molecular targets for sarcomas (cancerous
growths) – which may assist with designing drugs aimed at curing this cancer.
Metabolic imaging such as PET (Positron emission tomography) scanning is
opening avenues to assess tumor response to chemotherapy and to identify those
tumors that are most aggressive.Pharmaceutical research Many
new drugs are being tested in clinical trials to treat soft tissue tumors.
These trials take time especially because sarcomas (cancerous growth) are rare.
Much effort is being focused on drugs to treat those patients with very
advanced disease – disease that has metastasized.Non-surgical research Different
types of radiation and methods for delivering radiation are being tested to
determine how to best treat soft tissue tumors.Surgical research There
is ongoing investigation about how to optimally treat soft tissue tumors from a
surgical perspective. Surgeons are trying to identify novel ways to maximize
tumor control, without compromising function or survival. The concept of what
constitutes the optimal surgical margin for specific tumor subtypes is
currently under debate.Summary of masses Soft
tissue masses are found to be benign in about three out of four instances. Such
masses can emerge in almost any site in the body.
Delay in
diagnosis of soft tissue tumors is common. A sprain or hematoma that lasts
longer than six weeks merits additional medical scrutiny for the possibility of
soft tissue tumor.
Surgical
care of soft tissue tumors should be performed in a multidisciplinary
specialist center.
Any newly
discovered tissue mass that is growing should be evaluated by a medical specialist.
Not all soft-tissue masses must be removed, but any should be suspected of
cancerous potential until proven otherwise.
Many
sarcomas (cancerous growths) go undetected until they are quite large, and
therefore become more difficult to treat.
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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