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Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that arises in the body’s soft tissues, such as muscle, fat, and blood vessels. These cancers can occur in many locations, but most often develop in the arms, legs, chest, and abdomen.
Because they may resemble more common conditions—like bruises, lumps, or muscle injuries—soft tissue sarcomas can be challenging to diagnose early. An accurate diagnosis is essential to guide treatment decisions and improve outcomes.
Soft tissue sarcomas include more than 50 subtypes, and knowing which one you have helps guide treatment. Three types often discussed are:
1. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma: Often develops in the arms, legs, or back of the abdomen.
2. Liposarcoma: Arises in fat tissue, often in the abdomen or thigh.
3. Leiomyosarcoma: Comes from smooth muscle and may occur in the abdomen or uterus.
Each subtype behaves differently. Your care team uses this information to tailor your treatment plan.
Symptoms of soft-tissue sarcoma vary with the tumor's location and size. Many symptoms also occur in non‑cancer conditions. Still, it’s wise to let a doctor evaluate any new or unusual signs, including:
A newly developed bulge or a developing lump anywhere on the body
Intensifying abdominal pain
Blood in vomit or feces
Trouble while breathing
If you notice persistent or worsening symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.
Soft tissue sarcoma comes in various forms, so identifying each tumor’s precise nature helps guide treatment. Treatment depends on the subtype, size, location, and whether the cancer has spread.
Surgery is often the first step in treating soft tissue sarcoma. The goal is to remove the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue around it to help reduce the chance that cancer cells are left behind.
After removal, a pathologist examines the edges of the tissue (margins) to see if cancer cells are present. In some cases, if the cancer has spread, surgery may be used to remove tumor deposits in other parts of the body.
Chemotherapy uses cancer‑fighting drugs given intravenously or by mouth. Because these drugs travel through the bloodstream, they can reach cancer cells throughout the body.
Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery, depending on the sarcoma type and stage, and its usefulness varies by context.
Radiation therapy uses high‑energy waves or particles, such as X‑rays, to damage the DNA of cancer cells and slow or stop their growth. Some normal cells can also be affected, but quickly dividing cancer cells are more sensitive to the damage.
Radiation alone or in combination with chemotherapy is sometimes used to shrink tumors or reduce the risk of recurrence.
Your care team will explain the sequence and combination of treatments that best fit your case.
Doctors use a combination of imaging tests and a biopsy to evaluate areas of concern and plan treatment effectively.
These scans help visualize the tumor's size, location, and possible spread:
A biopsy involves removing tissue for laboratory analysis. The two main types are:
Core needle biopsy: Doctors extract small samples of tumor tissue using thin, hollow needles—often from multiple areas of the tumor to improve accuracy.
Surgical biopsy: A surgeon may remove all or part of the tumor to obtain a larger or more representative sample, especially when a needle biopsy is inconclusive.
Together, these diagnostic tools help determine the tumor’s type and stage, guiding the most appropriate treatment strategy.
Our patients have access to a multispecialty team at ACTC, who work together in a highly collaborative, coordinated manner to provide comprehensive cancer care in one convenient location in Brooksville, Florida.
Our doctors are supported by a clinical team with over two decades of experience and a reputation for providing tailored and supportive cancer care.
The following are our providers whom you can consult at ACTC:
MD, Hematology & Oncology
MD, Ph.D., Hematology/ Medical Oncology
MD, Radiation Oncologist
Call 352-345-4565 or book an appointment.
Cancer patients look for a sense of trust and care once diagnosed. At ACTC, we make it our priority to make them feel secure and optimistic about the journey ahead. Our state of the art mechanisms and dedicated team of specialists are there at all times for support. From staging to treatment to long-term follow-up, we make sure no hurdle is faced by our patients.
Schedule a consultation by calling
352-345-4565
Soft tissue sarcomas can grow and spread to other parts of the body. When they do spread, the lungs are a common site of involvement.
Yes. By definition, soft tissue sarcomas are malignant tumors that develop in the body’s soft tissues.
Many soft-tissue sarcomas arise in the arms, legs, abdomen, and the area behind the abdominal organs (retroperitoneum).
Schedule a consultation by calling
352-345-4565
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15211 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, Florida 34613