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Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the body's soft tissues, such as muscles, fat, nerves, and blood vessels. It can occur anywhere in the body and affects both adults and children. Delhi has several hospitals that treat soft tissue sarcoma, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Choosing the right hospital is important because soft tissue sarcoma requires specialised treatment based on its type and stage.

Soft tissue sarcoma is a group of cancers that begin in the body's soft tissues. It can develop anywhere, but the most common locations are the arms, legs, chest, and abdomen. The disease occurs when abnormal cells start growing uncontrollably, forming a tumour. These tumours can spread to other body parts if not treated in time.

There are many types of soft tissue sarcoma, and each type behaves differently. Some grow slowly, while others spread rapidly. The exact cause of soft tissue sarcoma is not always known. Still, certain risk factors, such as exposure to radiation, inherited genetic conditions, and exposure to harmful chemicals, may increase the chances of developing this cancer.

Early detection of soft tissue sarcoma is problematic because it may not cause symptoms in the initial stages. A painless lump under the skin is usually the first sign. As the tumour grows, it may press against nearby nerves or organs, causing pain and discomfort. Regular medical check-ups and imaging tests can help in early diagnosis, making treatment more effective.

Types of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Soft tissue sarcoma includes different types based on the tissue affected. Some common types are:

• Liposarcoma: Develops in fat cells and usually occurs in the arms, legs, or abdomen. It can be slow-growing or aggressive, depending on the type.
• Leiomyosarcoma: Affects smooth muscle tissues commonly found in the uterus, digestive tract, and blood vessels. This type is often diagnosed at a later stage.
• Synovial Sarcoma: Usually develops near the joints and is more common in young adults. It can spread to the lungs if not treated early.
• Angiosarcoma: Starts in the blood or lymph vessels and can occur anywhere in the body. It grows quickly and requires immediate treatment.
• Fibrosarcoma: Occurs in fibrous tissue and is more common in middle-aged and older adults. It is typically found in the arms, legs, or trunk.

Stages of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Soft tissue sarcoma is staged based on tumour size, spread, and the cancer cells' aggressiveness. The stages help doctors decide the best treatment plan.

• Stage 1: The tumour is small (less than 5 cm) and has not spread to other areas. It is low-grade, growing slowly and less likely to spread. Surgery is usually the primary treatment at this stage.
• Stage 2: The tumour has grown larger than 5 cm in this stage but is still confined to one area. It is low or intermediate grade. There are still many treatment options for stage 2 soft tissue sarcoma, like surgery or radiation therapy. 
• Stage 3: In 3rd stage, the tumour has grown larger than the stage 2 and may have also spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. It is high-grade, meaning it grows and spreads quickly. Treatment includes surgery followed by chemotherapy or radiation.
• Stage 4: The terminal stage of cancer is the fourth stage. It has now spread to distant organs such as the lungs or liver. This is the most advanced stage and requires aggressive treatment, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, to decrease the disease progression and improve quality of life.

Soft tissue sarcoma may not cause symptoms in the early stages. As the tumour grows, symptoms may appear, including:

• Painless Lump or Swelling: The most common early sign is a lump under the skin, which may increase in size over time.
• Pain and Discomfort: If the tumour presses on nerves, muscles, or organs, it can cause pain or a feeling of pressure in the affected area.
• Difficulty Moving Limbs: If the tumour is near a joint, it may make movement difficult or painful.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Some patients experience significant weight loss without any change in diet or lifestyle.
• Fatigue and Weakness: Cancer can affect energy levels, making the patient feel tired and weak even without physical exertion.

Since other conditions can also cause these symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor if any unusual lumps or discomfort persist for a long time. Early diagnosis can lead to better treatment outcomes.

Soft tissue sarcoma develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in soft tissues. Like various other cancers, the actual cause of soft tissue sarcoma is not always known; certain factors may increase the risk of developing this cancer, including:

• Genetic Mutations: Changes in the DNA of soft tissue cells can lead to uncontrolled growth, resulting in cancer. Some mutations occur randomly, while others may be linked to inherited conditions.
• Radiation Exposure: If a person has had previous radiation exposure, they have a higher chance of developing soft tissue sarcoma later in life.
• Chemical Exposure: Similarly to radiation exposure, people who have undergone chemical exposure, like herbicides, industrial chemicals, and dioxins, have been linked to an increased risk of soft tissue sarcoma.
• Weakened Immune System: Having a terminal medical condition can weaken the immune system and may increase the likelihood of developing cancer, including soft tissue sarcoma.
• Age: Although soft tissue sarcoma affects people of all ages, studies show it is more common in middle-aged and older adults than in children.
• Genetic Syndromes: Some inherited genetic disorders, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and neurofibromatosis, increase the risk of soft tissue sarcoma.

Lymphedema: Chronic swelling in the arms or legs due to fluid buildup, often following cancer treatment, has been linked to a rare form of soft tissue sarcoma known as angiosarcoma.

Soft tissue sarcoma is diagnosed through different tests to confirm the disease and determine its type and stage:

• Physical Examination: The doctor checks for lumps or swelling and asks about symptoms.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and PET scans help locate the tumour and understand its size and spread.
• Biopsy: It is the most trusted diagnostic test for cancers. It involves examining a tumour sample under a microscope to confirm if it is cancerous.
• Genetic Testing: Some soft tissue sarcomas have specific genetic changes, and identifying them helps plan treatment.

A variety of treatment options are available for soft tissue sarcoma. The treatment choice will depend on the tumour's type, size, and stage. The main treatments include:

• Surgery: The primary treatment for soft tissue sarcoma is surgery to remove the tumour. In the early stages, surgery alone may be enough. If the cancer is large, additional treatments may be required to reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is used before or after surgery; it helps shrink the tumour or destroy the remaining cancer cells. It is recommended when complete tumour removal is difficult.
• Chemotherapy: Used in advanced stages or aggressive sarcomas, chemotherapy drugs help slow down the cancer’s spread. Different stages of soft tissue sarcoma can respond differently to chemotherapies. 
• Targeted Therapy: This treatment focuses on specific proteins or genes that help cancer grow. It is helpful for sarcomas that do not respond well to chemotherapy.
• Immunotherapy: This treatment strengthens the immune system to fight cancer cells. It is still under research for sarcomas but has shown promise in some instances.

Some of India’s best Soft Tissue Sarcoma cancer treatment hospitals are in Delhi. The cost of Soft Tissue Sarcoma cancer treatment varies among these hospitals. 

The following are some factors that may influence the cost of treatment:

• Location of the hospital; expertise of the medical staff and other amenities.
• Diagnostic tests. 
• Treatments required: Some patients may undergo several chemotherapy radiation therapy sessions, which influence the cost of treatment. Treatments like Immunotherapy might be more costlier. 

• Nutritional counselling, physiological counselling, family therapy sessions, and other supportive treatments may elevate the total cost.

Amerix Cancer Hospital is one of the few soft tissue sarcoma cancer treatment hospitals in Delhi, and it is committed to offering world-class soft tissue sarcoma cancer treatment with compassionate medical staff. 

Amerix Cancer Hospital offers all kinds of diagnostic testing, including CT scans, PET scans, and treatments like Surgeries, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and all the latest options. 

Surviving cancer is a long journey for a patient’s whole family. By offering supportive care, including nutritional counselling and physiotherapy, Amerix Cancer Hospital ensures this journey is smooth. 

Amerix Cancer Hospital, with its expert medical staff and latest technologies, is a one-stop solution for treating and caring for Soft Tissue Sarcoma cancer patients. 

You may book a consultation for any queries related to Soft Tissue Sarcoma cancer, treatment options, costs, and facilities at Amerix Cancer Hospital.