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A soft tissue sarcoma is a form of sarcoma that develops in connective tissue.[1], though the term is sometimes applied to elements of the soft tissue that are not currently considered connective tissue.
Most soft tissue sarcomas are not associated with any known risk factors or identifiable etiology. There are some exceptions:
Soft tissue sarcomas are relatively uncommon cancers. They account for less than 1% of all new cancer cases each year. This may be because cells in soft tissue, by contrast with other tissues, are not constantly fast dividing cells.[citation needed]
In 2006, about 9,500 new cases were diagnosed in the United States.[2] Soft tissue sarcomas are more commonly found in older patients (>50 years old) although in children and adolescents under age 20, certain histologies are common (rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma).[citation needed]
In their early stages, soft tissue sarcomas usually do not cause symptoms. Because soft tissue is relatively elastic, tumors can grow rather large, pushing aside normal tissue, before they are felt or cause any problems. The first noticeable symptom is usually a painless lump or swelling. As the tumor grows, it may cause other symptoms, such as pain or soreness, as it presses against nearby nerves and muscles. If in the abdomen it can cause abdominal pains commonly mistaken for menstrual cramps, indigestion, or cause constipation.[citation needed]
The only reliable way to determine whether a soft tissue tumor is benign or malignant is through a biopsy. Therefore, all soft tissue lumps that persist or grow should be biopsied. A biopsy can be obtained via needle biopsy or with surgical biopsy. During this procedure, a doctor makes an incision or uses a special needle to remove a sample of tumor tissue. A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope. If cancer is present, the pathologist can usually determine the type of cancer and its grade. The grade of the tumor is determined by how abnormal the cancer cells appear when examined under a microscope. The grade predicts the probable growth rate of the tumor and its tendency to spread. Low-grade sarcomas, although cancerous, are unlikely to metastasize. High-grade sarcomas are more likely to spread to other parts of the body.[citation needed]
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