Test and Procedure used for Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Following tests are used in screening process of Soft tissue Sarcoma:

X-Rays:

Through this method the doctor created the images of inside body of patient on  film

Computed Tomography/CT Scan:

In this method the doctor tries to locate the Soft tissue Sarcoma by creating the cross- sectional images of body with the mean of an x-ray machine attached with a computer.  Through CT /CAT scan, the doctor come identifies whether the tumor spread to lung or abdomen.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):

This process is used to get the detailed images of picture on inside body and for this reason a powerful magnet is linked to a computer.  The doctor distinguishes the soft tissue sarcoma from benign tumors via this method. The extent and causes of soft tissue sarcoma are also obtained sometimes through this process.

This process is also used when the tumor is recurred.

Biopsy:

It includes the removal of  a sample of tissue from the abnormal area and its microscopic examination by a pathologist. It is a best way to get surety about the presence of cancer’s growth.   The doctor may go for inciosional or excisional or fine needles aspiration method of biopsy.

In case of presence of Soft tissue Sarcoma, the doctor pinpoints the type and grade of cancer. The grade of Cancer shows the probable growth rate of cancerous cells and its tendency to spread.

High Grade Sarcoma: This grade of Soft tissue sarcoma is more likely to spread in other parts of biopsy.

Low Grade Sarcoma: This one is less likely to spread although non-cancerous.

First major cause of soft tissue tumors growth is the external radiation therapy.  It is said that this tumor originates as a side affect of radiation therapy. The patient, who has undergone this therapy as a part of his cancer treatment, has more chances of this cancer development in comparison of general people. One way to limit the risk is to ensure that dose of radiation is delivered only to abnormal tissue while expert must try their best to protect the surrounding tissue as much as possible.

Another possible cause of sarcoma is the exposure to intense or high dose of certain chemicals such as vinyl chloride, arsenic, herbicides etc in working environment. Chronic lymphedema is a condition in which swelling results due to accumulation of fluid in the tissue, if follow by radiation or lymph nodes removal may give birth to abnormal cancerous cells of sarcoma tumor.

Inherited diseases sometimes lead to soft tissue sarcoma. According to study, genetic changes become a cause of this tumor. For example;

• Li-Fraumeni Syndrome; it is a condition of changes in p53 tumor suppressor gene. A patient having this problem may become the victim of any of these cancers i.e. sarcomas, breast cancer, brain cancer and others.
• Basal cell nevus syndrome: this syndrome started due to genetic defect. A person who has this disorder, for him rhabdomyosarcoma or fibrosarcoma risk factors are very common.
• Inherited retinoblastoma: This is very rare form of eye cancer that is originated due to inheritance of a mutated retinoblastoma gene. This syndrome also becomes a probable cause of soft tissue sarcomas in children.
• Neurofibromatosis: This situation occurs as a result of changes in nervous system and due to these changes nerve sheath tumors originates. It is shown in the study that only 1 out of 10 people who suffer from this situation may develops malignant tumors.
• Tuberous Sclerosis: This tumor may cause the occurrence of rhabdomyosarcoma.
• Werner Syndrome: Due to disorder of gene RECQL2 various health problems start including soft tissue sarcomas.

Lastly, HIV infection in human lead to Kaposi sarcoma and the major risk factor or cause of this cancer is Kaposi Sarcoma-associated herpersvirus(KSHV)  or human herpesvirus 8.In rare situation the people who have KSHV give rise to Kaposi sarcoma as usually it results due to HIV.

Despite the rarity of this type of cancer sarcomas could develop into something life threatening as the cancer can spread to other areas of the body such as the lungs. Once the sarcoma is diagnosed via a CT or an MRI scan followed by a biopsy, the type must be assessed then treated.

The treatment for sarcoma consists of either a surgical procedure in which the sarcoma and some surrounding healthy tissue is removed from the patient or radiation therapy to shrink the cancer down to more manageable size. Chemotherapy may also be used in combination with radiation therapy in order to kill more of the cancerous cells.

Like many cancers the causes behind sarcomas are unknown, however some people are more prone to having them such as those who have a genetic disorder such as Gardner syndrome. It is also possible to develop sarcomas after a previous radiation therapy treatment although that is extremely rare. The important factor to consider when you believe that you have a sarcoma is that as it is within the supporting tissues it does not grow very fast and that also contributes to it being one of the lesser lights of the cancer world.

Like most cancers the first symptom is a painless lump or swelling. Despite the rarity of the cancer it can still be deadly if it is left untreated so even if a lump appears to be benign it is advisable to see a doctor to check.