Your muscles, tendons, fatty tissues, and blood vessels, among others, are all known as soft tissues. These soft tissues can develop cancers known as soft-tissue sarcomas that may cause lumps or swelling and can spread if not addressed. Even though they are fairly uncommon, you may be at a higher risk if you’ve been exposed to certain chemicals, have had radiation therapy in the past or have genetic diseases such as neurofibromatosis, retinoblastoma, and more.
Since many soft-tissue sarcomas begin in the extremities (arms or legs) with a bump or lump that increases in size over time – usually weeks or months. You should see a doctor right away if you have any of the following:
A new lump or a lump that’s growing anywhere on your body
Abdominal pain that’s increasingly worse
Blood in your stools or vomit
Black, tarry stools
Soft-tissue sarcomas can be treated. Depending on the location, type and stage of the cancer, treatments might include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapies and surgery. To schedule an appointment or to find out more about soft-tissue sarcoma, call the Dignity Health – Cancer Institute at St. Joseph’s at (602) 825-2039.
More information can all be found at the American Cancer Society.