Giovanni D. Giannotti, MD SC
2222 West Division Street, Suite 340
Chicago, IL 60622
ph: 773-541-8100
fax: 773-541-8109
Soft tissue sarcomas are malignant tumors that begin in soft tissue, such as muscle, fibrous tissues, tendons, fat, nerves, joint tissues and blood vessels.
These tumors are rare and can form anywhere in the body. Often painless, soft tissue sarcomas can be present in the body for a long period of time before they are discovered.
There are several types of soft tissue sarcomas that involve joints, bones and nerves. They include:
A few soft tissue sarcomas do not involve bones or joints. These include:
Studies have identified a connection between soft tissue sarcomas and other cancers. Certain conditions, such as inherited diseases like Li-Fraumeni syndrome or neurofibromatosis, as well as the infectious virus Epstein-Barr, have been linked to an increased risk of developing soft tissue sarcomas.
The cause of soft tissue sarcomas is unknown, but there may be a genetic reason for their formation.
Symptoms of soft tissue sarcomas include:
Symptoms of soft tissue sarcomas can be difficult to identify in children, so regular check-ups are extremely important. Prompt diagnosis and identification of cancer as early as possible is crucial to overall treatment.
Diagnostic evaluation begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination of your child. A detailed neurological assessment may also be performed.
Treatment for soft tissue sarcomas varies, depending on the location and size of the tumor.
Surgical treatment for soft tissue tumors may be used alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Surgeries performed are typically:
In a wide resection with margins, the tumor is surgically removed, as well as some of the healthy tissue that surrounded the tumor — the margins of the tumor. In some cases, the child will need reconstructive surgery after the tumor has been cut out.
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Giovanni D. Giannotti, MD SC
2222 West Division Street, Suite 340
Chicago, IL 60622
ph: 773-541-8100
fax: 773-541-8109