What is aggressive sarcoma cancer

It can form sores on the skin, spread to the lymph nodes and sometimes involve the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, heart and other organs. Today, about six in 1 million people are infected with the disease, about an eighth of the incidence rate of the early s. Leiomyosarcoma is an uncommon type of malignant tumor that grows from immature smooth muscle cells, accounting for between 10 percent and 20 percent of all soft tissue sarcomas.

These tumors appear most often in large blood vessels and the pelvic area, including the uterus, and, to a lesser extent, in the extremities like the thighs. In its metastatic state, leiomyosarcoma most commonly spreads to the bloodstream, lung and liver.

Age is considered a high risk factor for this disease. It most commonly affects people in their 70s. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumors. They frequently cause discomfort, swelling, blood clots and pain. Liposarcomas account for 15 percent to 25 percent of the estimated 13, soft tissue sarcomas diagnosed each year. Since both soft tissue and bone sarcomas are rare, they appear in a small percentage of the juvenile and adult populations.

Bone sarcoma is less common with approximately 2, new cases each year for adults and children. For more information on cancer treatment, visit WebMD. Sarcoma symptoms can include the presence of a painless lump which could eventually become sore or painful, as well as blockage in the gastrointestinal system, or blood in vomit or stool.

No specific attributable factors can be linked to cause soft tissue or bone sarcomas. However, there are a few factors that could increase the chances of developing soft tissue sarcomas:. Additionally, radiation treatments may also be a possible influencing factor for the risk of developing bone sarcoma. Anyone who believes they manifest these symptoms must consult with their physician and not assume they have cancer as these symptoms are general and could be attributed to another medical condition.

Sarcomas are a complex form of cancer and require team-oriented, multi-modal, individualized treatment plans. Anderson, St. We develop treatment plans based on the grade and stage of a tumor, prior treatments received if any , cancer progress, biopsy analysis and other individualized factors. The oncologists at the Sarcoma Oncology Center are at the forefront of sarcoma research and are pioneers of the most advanced sarcoma clinical research trials in the world.

The oncologists at the Center in Santa Monica go beyond standard care for cancer when needed and have access to the most novel cancer treatment drugs at their fingertips. Chemotherapy is the most important treatment available for sarcomas because it is the only form of treatment which prevents and controls the spread of the cancer into the lungs, vital organs and other parts of the body.

In the past, chemotherapy was highly toxic and had significant side effects. Thanks to new treatments pioneered by Dr. Error Select a topic. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you.

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You will also receive emails from Mayo Clinic on the latest about cancer news, research, and care. Sarcoma care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Clinical presentation, histopathology, diagnostic evaluation and staging of soft tissue sarcoma.

Niederhuber JE, et al. Sarcomas of soft tissue. In: Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. Adult soft tissue sarcoma treatment PDQ. National Cancer Institute.

Childhood soft tissue sarcoma treatment PDQ. Taking time: Support for people with cancer. Seetharam M expert opinion. Brown AY. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 24, Sarcoma centers. Sarcoma Alliance. Accessed Oct. Related Soft tissue sarcoma. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.