Soft Tissue Cancer
Dr. Niranjan, an accomplished surgical oncologist, specializes in providing comprehensive care to patients battling Soft Tissue Cancer.

Understanding Soft Tissue Cancer
Soft tissue cancer, also known as soft tissue sarcoma, is a type of cancer that develops in the soft tissues of the body. Soft tissues include muscles, fat, blood vessels, tendons, and other connective tissues that support and connect various structures in the body. Soft tissue cancer can occur in any part of the body but is most commonly found in the limbs and the torso.
Types of Soft Tissue Cancer
soft tissue or cell from which the cancer originates. Some of the common types of soft tissue sarcoma include:

Leiomyosarcoma
This type of soft tissue sarcoma develops in smooth muscle tissue, which is found in the walls of organs like the uterus, stomach, and intestines.

Liposarcoma
Liposarcomas arise from fat cells and can occur in fatty tissues throughout the body, most commonly in the limbs or abdomen.

Rhabdomyosarcoma
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a soft tissue cancer that primarily affects skeletal muscle. It is more common in children and adolescents.

Synovial Sarcoma
This cancer originates in the tissues surrounding joints, such as the knee, ankle, or wrist.

Angiosarcoma
Angiosarcomas develop in the blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. They can occur in various parts of the body, including the skin, breast, or liver.

Fibrosarcoma
Fibrosarcomas are derived from fibrous connective tissue and can be found in different parts of the body, including the limbs.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)
GIST is a specific soft tissue cancer that arises in the gastrointestinal tract, often in the stomach or small intestine.

Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor (MPNST)
MPNSTs develop in the tissue that surrounds nerves, which is known as the nerve sheath. They can be associated with neurofibromatosis.

Desmoid Tumor (Aggressive Fibromatosis)
Desmoid tumors are a type of soft tissue tumor that forms in the connective tissue. They are typically benign but can be locally aggressive and invade nearby structures.

Hemangiosarcoma
Hemangiosarcoma is a rare soft tissue cancer that originates in the blood vessels, most often seen in the skin or subcutaneous tissues.
Causes and Risk Factors
Here are some potential causes and risk factors associated with soft tissue cancer.

Some soft tissue sarcomas may have a genetic component. Certain genetic syndromes, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis, and familial adenomatous polyposis, can increase the risk of developing soft tissue cancer.

Previous exposure to high doses of radiation, either for medical purposes or in the workplace, has been linked to an increased risk of soft tissue sarcoma. Radiation therapy for other cancers, such as breast or cervical cancer, may also play a role.

Exposure to certain chemicals, such as vinyl chloride, dioxin, and phenoxy herbicides, has been associated with an elevated risk of soft tissue sarcoma. These chemicals are more commonly encountered in certain occupational settings.

Soft tissue sarcomas can occur at any age, but they are more common in adults and become increasingly prevalent with age.

Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor diet, can contribute to the overall risk of cancer, although their specific connection to soft tissue sarcoma may not be well-established.

In some cases, soft tissue sarcomas have been known to develop at the site of previous injuries, surgical scars, or areas of chronic inflammation. This is a relatively rare occurrence.
Common Symptoms
The symptoms of soft tissue cancer, or soft tissue sarcoma, can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor.
The most common early symptom is the presence of a painless lump or swelling in the soft tissue, which may increase in size over time.

Some soft tissue sarcomas can cause pain or discomfort in the affected area, especially as the tumor presses on nearby nerves or muscles.

If the tumor is near a joint or muscle, it may restrict the range of motion or cause difficulty in moving the affected body part.

In cases where the tumor affects nerves, you may experience numbness or tingling sensations in the area.

As with many cancers, soft tissue sarcomas can lead to fatigue, weakness, and a general feeling of unwellness.

Significant and unexplained weight loss may occur in some cases, although this is less common.

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider will begin by taking a detailed medical history and conducting a thorough physical examination. They will ask about your symptoms, risk factors, and any family history of cancer.

To get a better look at the suspected tumor and its location, various imaging tests may be ordered, including:
- X-rays: These can provide a basic image of the tumor and its size.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI scans offer detailed images of soft tissues, helping to determine the extent of the tumor and its relationship with nearby structures.
- CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: CT scans can provide cross-sectional images and help assess the tumor’s size and location.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound may be used to evaluate soft tissue masses and their characteristics.

A biopsy is the most crucial step in diagnosing soft tissue cancer. It involves the removal of a small sample of the suspicious tissue for examination under a microscope. There are different types of biopsies, including:
- Needle Biopsy: A thin, hollow needle is used to extract a small tissue sample from the tumor. This is often done with the guidance of imaging techniques.
- Incisional Biopsy: A surgeon removes only a portion of the tumor for analysis. This is commonly used when removing the entire tumor would be difficult or risky.
- Excisional Biopsy: In some cases, the entire tumor is removed and sent for analysis, serving both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

The tissue sample obtained from the biopsy is sent to a pathologist, who will examine it under a microscope to determine if it is cancerous and, if so, to identify the specific type of soft tissue sarcoma. This is essential for developing an appropriate treatment plan.

If soft tissue cancer is confirmed, further tests may be performed to determine the stage of the cancer, which helps guide treatment decisions. Staging may involve additional imaging, such as chest X-rays, CT scans, or PET scans, to check for the presence of cancer in other parts of the body.

In some cases, genetic testing may be recommended to identify specific genetic mutations associated with soft tissue sarcoma. This information can be important for treatment planning and assessing prognosis.

In some cases, soft tissue sarcomas have been known to develop at the site of previous injuries, surgical scars, or areas of chronic inflammation. This is a relatively rare occurrence.
Treatment Options
Several treatment options are available, and the choice of treatment may involve a combination of the following approaches:
Surgery
Surgical removal of the tumor is often the primary treatment for soft tissue sarcoma. The goal is to remove the cancerous tissue with a margin of healthy tissue to reduce the risk of recurrence. In some cases, limb-sparing surgery may be an option to preserve function and appearance while effectively removing the tumor. For tumors in difficult locations, extensive surgery may be required.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It is less commonly used for soft tissue sarcoma but may be recommended in cases where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic disease) or for certain high-grade sarcomas.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It can be used before surgery to shrink the tumor, after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells, or as the primary treatment when surgery is not possible. Radiation therapy is often used in combination with surgery to improve local control of the disease.
Targeted Therapy
Some soft tissue sarcomas have specific genetic alterations or mutations that can be targeted with precision medicines. Targeted therapy aims to interfere with the specific molecules or pathways that drive the growth of cancer cells. It is an option for certain subtypes of soft tissue sarcoma.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy aims to stimulate the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. While it is not a primary treatment for soft tissue sarcoma, ongoing research is exploring its potential in combination with other therapies.

Empowering You in the Battle Against Soft Tissue Cancer
With over 12 years of experience in surgical oncology, including his specialization in Soft Tissue Cancer, Dr. Niranjan is a trusted expert in this field. His approach to Soft Tissue Cancer treatment includes:
Dr. Niranjan understands that each patient’s Soft Tissue Cancer journey is unique. He tailors treatment plans to individual needs, taking into account factors such as the type and stage of cancer, overall health, and personal preferences.
Dr. Niranjan is well-versed in the latest advancements in soft tissue cancer surgery, including limb-sparing surgeries and innovative reconstructive procedures. These techniques aim to provide the best possible outcomes in terms of both function and appearance.
Dr. Niranjan and his dedicated team provide emotional and psychological support throughout your Soft Tissue Cancer journey. They are committed to improving your overall well-being, not just treating the disease.
Dr. Niranjan believes that informed patients make the best decisions about their healthcare. He is dedicated to providing you with the knowledge you need to understand your condition, treatment options, and expected outcomes. He will work closely with you to ensure that you are actively involved in your care and decision-making process.