4 Steps to Take If Skin Cancer Runs in Your Family
Having a relative diagnosed with skin cancer like melanoma can naturally be concerning. Read on to learn more about how that affects your risk and the steps you can take to protect yourself.
Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Symptoms and Treatment
While soft tissue sarcoma may not get the same amount of attention as other types of cancer, it is still essential to know its symptoms and to take them seriously. Like with all cancers, catching it early and getting the right treatment can provide the best possible outcome.
At his private practice in Santa Monica, California, Dr. Trevan Fischer uses innovative surgical techniques to treat a variety of cancers. Whether it's skin cancer, breast cancer, or soft tissue sarcoma, he uses cutting-edge knowledge and skills acquired through his work as a surgical oncologist and on clinical trials at the Saint John's Cancer Institute to help patients throughout Southern California.
Soft tissue sarcoma
Soft tissue sarcomas are cancers that form in muscles, fat, nerves, and blood vessels as well as deep skin and fibrous tissues. They are most often located in the arms, legs, chest, or abdomen and are relatively rare, accounting for a little less than 13,500 new cases each year.
Symptoms
The early stages of soft tissue sarcoma may have no symptoms or could appear as swelling or a painless lump. As the tumor grows, pain may occur, and the swollen area might feel warm. An unexplained fever can be another sign.
In approximately 40% of people, the soft tissue sarcoma develops in the abdomen, which is more difficult to diagnose. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, stool that contains blood or is black and tarry, and blood in vomit. These issues can also occur with other health conditions, so it's important to see a health professional for a proper diagnosis.
Risk factors
For most people with soft tissue sarcoma, it is impossible to determine a cause, but there are a few risk factors that could make its development more likely. These include having had radiation therapy for a previous cancer and exposure to certain chemicals. Specific genetic disorders can also increase one's risk as can having long-term lymphedema or swelling of the arms or legs.
Treatment
Often there are multiple steps to treatment beginning with surgery to remove the tumor. Additional protocols may include chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The exact treatment plan depends on several factors, including the type of sarcoma, where it is located, the size and grade, and whether it is newly found or a recurrence of a previous sarcoma. An individual's age and general health are considered as well.
Whether you have discovered a lump or have already been diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma, Dr. Fischer can help with diagnosis, perform minimally-invasive surgery if necessary, and assist in coordinating multidisciplinary care. Click to book an appointment or call our office today.
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