Soft Tissue Tumor Treatment and Therapy
Overview
Soft tissue tumors are abnormal growths in the body's soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, fat, blood vessels, nerves and joint linings. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Benign soft tissue tumors, such as lipomas, fibromas and hemangiomas, are generally not life-threatening and can often be treated successfully with surgical removal.
Malignant soft tissue tumors, known as soft tissue sarcomas, are rare cancerous growths that can spread to other parts of the body. There are over 50 types of soft tissue sarcomas, each with its own characteristics and treatment options.
Symptoms of soft tissue tumors may include a noticeable lump, pain, and limited mobility in the affected area. The process of a diagnosis may involve imaging tests and biopsies. At the same time, treatment options depend on factors such as the type, size and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health. Treatment may include surgical removal, and if cancerous, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
What Is a Soft Tissue Tumor?
A soft tissue tumor is an abnormal growth that starts in the body’s soft tissues, which connect, support and surround other body structures. These tissues include muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons and linings of the joints. Soft tissue tumors can occur anywhere in the body but are most often found in the arms, legs and abdomen.
What Is the Most Common Soft Tissue Tumor?
The most common type of soft tissue tumor varies depending on whether they’re benign or malignant growths. In the case of non-cancerous soft tissue tumors, lipomas are the most prevalent. There are many types of soft tissue tumors. Some of the more common benign (non-cancerous) types include:
- Lipomas: Tumors that form from fat cells.
- Angiolipomas: Lipomas made of fat and blood vessels.
- Nerve Sheath Tumors: Tumors in soft tissue surrounding and supporting your nerves. Schwannomas and neurofibromas are common nerve sheath tumors.
- Hemangiomas: Tumors formed of blood cells.
- Fibromas: Tumors made of fibrous connective tissue.
- Benign Fibrous Histiocytoma (BFH): Tumors that are fibrous masses that may develop anywhere in your body.
Treatment for soft tissue tumors depends on the size, type and location of the tumor and how quickly it grows. Common treatments include surgery to remove the tumor, and if cancerous, radiation therapy to kill cancer cells and chemotherapy to stop the growth of cancer cells.
What Is Considered Soft Tissue in the Foot?
The soft tissues in the foot, which include muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels and fat, can all potentially develop soft tissue tumors. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Benign soft tissue tumors, such as lipomas, fibromas, and hemangiomas, can develop in the fatty tissue, fibrous tissue, and blood vessels of the foot, respectively. These tumors are typically slow-growing and rarely spread to other body parts.
Does a Soft Tissue Mass Mean Cancer?
A soft tissue mass does not necessarily mean cancer, as most soft tissue masses are benign (non-cancerous). Benign soft tissue tumors are much more common than malignant ones, with studies suggesting that benign tumors occur about 10 times more frequently than sarcomas (cancerous soft tissue tumors).
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