“Ask Dr. HKSH” – Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Dr. LAM Ying Lee

Specialist in Orthopaedics & Traumatology

Q1. What is soft tissue sarcoma? Where is it commonly found?

Soft tissue sarcoma is a malignant tumour that originates from mesenchymal soft tissues, accounting for less than one percent of all malignant tumours. It commonly occurs in the limbs, specifically the thigh, representing 44% of all soft tissue sarcomas in the limbs.

Q2. Is soft tissue sarcoma cancer? Can it spread to other areas?

Soft tissue sarcoma is a type of malignant tumour, and its malignancy depends on the tumour's grading and subtype. It can spread to the lungs, bones, and other soft tissues, with a minority of cases spreading to lymph nodes.

Q3. What are the causes of soft tissue sarcoma?

Most soft tissue sarcomas have unknown causes, with only a few arising from genetic or environmental factors, such as neurofibromatosis, radiation, and dioxins.

Q4. What are the symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma? When should one seek medical advice?

Most soft tissue sarcomas present no symptoms other than a lump. It is recommended to consult a doctor for evaluation of any unexplained lump, especially those larger than 5 cm or persisting for more than 3 to 4 weeks.

Q5. How is soft tissue sarcoma diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically begins with an MRI scan to determine the nature of the lump. A definitive diagnosis is made through a minimally invasive biopsy or an open biopsy to extract samples for histological examination.

Q6. What treatment options are available for soft tissue sarcoma?

Treatment methods for soft tissue sarcoma include surgery, radiation therapy, and pharmacological treatments. Pharmacological treatments consist of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Some patients may only require surgical treatment, while others may need a combination of therapies. The treatment plan is determined by a multidisciplinary team, which includes orthopaedic surgeons, oncologists, and other specialists.