There are more than 50 different types of soft tissue sarcomas. These cancers can arise in a variety of cells that form structural support in our bodies. Many soft tissue tumors originate in the arms or legs, while others are discovered in the torso. Rarely, they may be found in your head or neck, or inside other organs, including the liver, kidney, uterus, breast, lung, gastrointestinal tract, or the abdominal cavity.
Some of the most common types of soft tissue sarcomas include:
Angiosarcoma
These resemble blood vessels and can occur in an area that had received radiation therapy. They commonly occur on the breast. They may be confined to the skin only or can arise as tumors anywhere in the body.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor, the most common sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract, affects about 5,000 people a year in the United States.
Kaposi Sarcoma (KS)
Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is the main type of cancer that affects people with HIV/AIDS. In KS, cancer develops from the cells that line lymph or blood vessels. The cancer cells can also grow in the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth, lung, and anus. KS causes purple, brown, or red patches (lesions) on the skin and can spread to other organs in the body, like the liver and lungs.
Leiomyosarcoma
These sarcomas arise in smooth muscle that forms the walls of organs or blood vessels, either in the extremities or inside the abdominal cavity.
Liposarcoma
This is a rare type of cancer of the connective tissues that resembles fat tissue when seen under a microscope. These sarcomas may arise in fat cells almost anywhere in the body, but typically involve the thigh, leg or knee.
Synovial Sarcoma
These cancers often affect adolescents and young adults. The tumors resemble normal synovium, the lining of joints.
Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma
One of the most common types of soft tissue sarcoma is the undifferentiated type. These resemble a very primitive cell that has not yet turned into an obvious structural cell type. Many times with additional pathology testing, can determine a likely line of differentiation.
Uterine Sarcoma
Uterine sarcomas are rare cancers that form in the uterine muscles, or in tissues that support the uterus. These tumors are treated by both medical and gynecologic oncologists.
Other diseases treated by the sarcoma group
Desmoid fibromatosis
Resembling overgrown scars, these tumors most commonly occur in the extremities or trunk, or can occur inside the abdomen.
Pigmented villonodular synovitis
This is a rare disease in which the lining of joints (synovium) overgrows and results in significant arthritis. These tumors are managed in consultation with our orthopedic oncologists. We have new clinical trials to treat this disease.
Why Choose Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center?
One of only 71 NCI-designated cancer centers in the United States. Sylvester is one of only two cancer centers in Florida that have been recognized by the National Cancer Institute. The team earned this distinction through its outstanding work conducting research in its laboratories, treating patients in its clinics and hospitals, and reaching out to medically underserved communities with innovative prevention strategies.
High volume experience treating many cases of sarcoma, bone, and soft tissue cancers. Because we see so many patients with sarcoma, bone, and soft tissue cancers, we have the experience needed to provide better outcomes with fewer potential complications.
Targeted therapies and clinical trials for patients with tumor mutations. We offer the most advanced treatment options available in South Florida.
Advanced radiation oncology tools. Sylvester is one of only five medical centers in the country with ViewRay™ — MRI-guided radiation therapy. Our RapidArc® radiotherapy system delivers intensity modulated external radiation therapy (IMRT). These tools lead to more efficient and effective treatments, shorter treatment times, pinpoint accuracy in tumor targeting, and less damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
The only designated Cancer Centers of Excellence in South Florida. You can rest easy knowing you are in the best possible place to treat your cancer.
Comprehensive sarcoma tissue bank and registry. You can help future patients by participating in research that helps create tomorrow’s improved therapies.