Soft Tissue Sarcoma

The following tests and procedures may be used to diagnose soft tissue sarcoma:

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

A PET scan involves a type of radioactive sugar that existing cancer cells will quickly absorb so they can be identified under a special camera. It’s combined with a CT scan to give physicians the ability to view a picture of potentially cancerous areas through the PET while also seeing more detailed images from a CT scan. 

Computed tomography (CT) scan

A CT scan uses X-rays to provide detail about the size, shape and location of any growths or tumors.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

MRI uses radio waves to provide detailed images of the inside the body and any abnormal growths.

X-ray

An X-ray of the possible area of cancer can look for tumors or show if there is any spread beyond the cancer’s origin.

Ultrasound

Diagnostic ultrasound is an imaging procedure that uses sound waves to create pictures of the tissue. During an ultrasound, a wand-like instrument is used and the images are recorded and displayed for review.

Biopsy

During a biopsy, the doctor removes a small tissue sample from the tumor to be examined under a microscope for cancer.

Soft tissue sarcoma may be treated in various ways including:

Surgery

Surgery may be a part of treatment for most patients with soft tissue sarcoma. The focus of surgery for soft tissue sarcoma is to remove the cancer and preserve healthy tissue and bone. Any surgical recommendation depends on the stage of the cancer, a patient’s health and age, and other considerations. Surgical options may include:

• Mohs microsurgery
• Wide-local excision, which is the removal of the tumor and area of healthy tissue adjacent to the tumor
• Limb-sparing surgery, in which the cancer is removed while saving a limb
• Amputation of the leg or arm for a tumor that is large and has spread into nerves or blood vessels. A prosthetic is fitted and physical rehabilitation is part of the post-surgery treatment plan.

Radiation therapy

External-beam radiation therapy, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and 3-D conformal radiation, may be part of a treatment plan for soft tissue sarcoma depending on the extent of the cancer and other factors. It may also be used to shrink a tumor before surgery. Radiation therapy may be used instead of or in combination with surgery.

Chemotherapy and targeted therapies

A combination of chemotherapy drugs and doses may be used to treat soft tissue sarcoma. In some cases, targeted therapies have been shown to shrink tumors or halt their growth. Scripps offers patients convenient access to infusion centers and physician office infusion facilities across San Diego.

In support of our patients, survivors, their family members and the community, we host a handful of cancer support groups as well as a range of free workshops and health and wellness events on a number of topics such as:

• Nutrition
• Expressive writing
• Yoga
• Meditation

Check the current list of support offerings or contact your oncology social worker or cancer care coordinator.

For info about other cancer support groups in the San Diego community, call the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345.

We are here for you — not only as your oncologists, but as a robust multidisciplinary team of experts who understands that your cancer journey is about much more than your medical treatment. Specifically, Scripps Cancer Center offers a variety of patient support services to ensure your physical, psychological and emotional well-being as well as resources for dealing with the logistical and financial aspects of cancer care. Our services and resources include:

• Oncology nurses and nurse navigators with extensive clinical expertise in cancer care to help guide you and your caregivers to make informed decisions and ensure your optimal care.
• Palliative care to provide an extra layer of supportive care to manage pain and relieve symptoms, offer emotional and spiritual support, and improve your quality of life. 
• Oncology social workers specially trained to provide counseling, connect you with community and medical resources, assist with transportation and housing and coordinate care after discharge.
• Our registered dietitian nutritionists offer individualized nutrition support for patients whose efforts to optimize their nutrition may be affected by cancer symptoms or treatment side effects.
• Referrals and professional care from experts in psychology, psychiatry and emotional health, including individual and family counseling to help with the emotional challenges of cancer.
• Physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy services, including wound care, voice therapy and swallowing therapy, lymphedema therapy, balance and vestibular rehabilitation, yoga and more.
• Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine for patients interested in mind-body healing through acupuncture, biofeedback, herbal nutrition, massage therapy, integrative cancer care and more.
• Nondenominational spiritual care offered by our chaplains to help coordinate spiritual care with your own clergy, rabbi or spiritual advisor.
• Visiting patient services if you reside beyond San Diego and want help arranging appointments or learning more about short-term lodging.

For the full spectrum of offerings, please visit our cancer patient support services section.