Living with Sarcoma - Adult Soft Tissue Cancer

Adult soft tissue sarcoma is cancer of soft tissues, such as nerves, fat, muscle, blood vessels, fibrous tissues, or deep skin tissues. Although it is mostly found in the arms and legs, this cancer can be found in any part of the body, including a patient's head, neck and trunk. Just over 11,000 new cases of adult soft tissue sarcoma are diagnosed in the United States each year. The five-year survival rate varies depending on at what stage the cancer is diagnosed. For most patients, the survival rate is above 50%; for patients with adult soft tissue sarcomas diagnosed early and in their extremities, the survival rate is above 90%.

Risk factors associated with developing adult soft tissue sarcomas include certain inherited genetic syndromes, exposure to radiation and certain chemicals, and past radiation cancer treatments. Adult soft tissue sarcoma symptoms include: a significant swelling or lump; pain, if the sarcoma is pressing on muscles or nerves; a blockage in the stomach or intestines; and gastrointestinal bleeding. The stages of adult soft tissue sarcoma range from I to IV, depending on tumor size and how widely it may have spread. Adult soft tissue sarcoma treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these.

For more information on adult soft tissue sarcoma, read the American Cancer Society's detailed guide.

If you have been affected by adult soft tissue sarcoma, please be sure to take some time to read others' experiences, share your own experiences, and ask or answer questions.