Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Overview

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Mayo Clinic has earned an international reputation for expertise in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas in adults and children. Several hundred new cases of soft tissue sarcoma are diagnosed and treated at Mayo Clinic each year. The National Cancer Institute has designated the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center as a comprehensive cancer center in recognition of its superior depth and breadth of capabilities. The multidisciplinary team of experts who provide medical care for soft tissue sarcoma patients includes medical oncologists, orthopedic oncologists (orthopedic surgeons who specialize in bone and soft tissue tumors), radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, vascular surgeons, general surgeons, thoracic surgeons and rehabilitation experts.

There are more than 50 known types of soft tissue sarcomas.

Diagnosis

Specialists may use imaging studies and a physical exam to evaluate a suspected case of soft tissue sarcoma. A biopsy is usually necessary to diagnose the disease. Read more about diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma.

Treatment Options

Soft tissue sarcomas are treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Usually a combination of these modalities offers the best change to treat the disease successfully. At Mayo Clinic soft tissue sarcomas are treated with two goals in mind: to cure the cancer and to save as much function of the affected area as possible. Read more about treatment for soft tissue sarcoma.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota
• Treatment of Children & Adolescents

About Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Sarcoma is cancer of the connective tissue such as muscle, cartilage (chondrosarcoma), blood vessels, nerves and bones (osteosarcoma or Ewing's sarcoma). Soft tissue (non-bone) sarcomas are rare, but they can occur in many parts of the body such as muscle or fat of the extremities or the trunk. They can also occur in the abdomen, pelvis or chest. There are many types of soft tissue sarcomas, but most are treated in the same way. Some common soft tissue sarcomas include fibrosarcoma, liposarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and synovial cell sarcoma.