Soft tissue sarcoma is a type of cancerous tumor that forms in the soft tissues of the body, such as muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, and blood vessels. If it occurs in the shoulder, it might feel like a person has a lump on their shoulder.
This article looks at soft tissue sarcoma in the shoulder and its symptoms and diagnosis.
We also discuss the outlook for people with the condition and more.
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Soft tissue sarcomas can occur in the shoulder because they
- fat
- muscle
- fibrous tissue
- deep skin tissue
- nerves
- blood vessels
Common locations for soft tissue sarcomas include the arms and the legs. Soft tissue sarcomas can also occur in the:
- abdomen
- torso
- head and neck
- internal organs
Soft tissue sarcomas are rare, making up around
Synovial sarcoma
Synovial sarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma that affects the tissue surrounding the joints. It is
This is because it forms in soft tissue, such as the muscles or ligaments, and usually occurs near joints.
Synovial sarcoma
- shoulder
- hip
- knee
- ankle
Synovial sarcoma most commonly affects children and young adults, but it can also affect older people.
Symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma in the shoulder
As a sarcoma grows, it
To diagnose soft tissue sarcoma in the shoulder, doctors
- Imaging tests: A doctor may use imaging scans such as a CT scan, MRI, X-ray, and ultrasound to see if a tumor is present.
- Biopsy: A doctor will use a technique known as a core needle biopsy. This uses a needle to remove a small sample of tissue that the doctor sends for laboratory testing to check for cancer and tumor grade.
The main types of treatment for soft tissue sarcoma
- surgery to remove the tumor
- radiation therapy
- chemotherapy
- targeted therapy
- immunotherapy
Small, low-grade soft tissue sarcomas, particularly those that form in the arms,
The outlook for soft tissue sarcoma in the shoulder may depend on various factors, such as:
- whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body
- how much of the tumor surgery can remove
- the type, size, and grade of the soft tissue sarcoma
- whether the cancer has come back
- the person’s age and overall health
According to the
Survival rates also do not take into account advances in treatments and newer research.
Between 36% and 76% of people with synovial sarcoma will survive at least five years after first receiving a diagnosis.
Complete removal of the tumor, and a tumor that does not spread or return, may improve the outlook.
This section answers some common questions about soft tissue sarcoma in the shoulder.
Can you get a tumor in your shoulder?
It is possible to get a tumor in the shoulder. Synovial sarcoma is a type of soft tissue tumor that commonly forms in the shoulder.
Synovial sarcoma is a rare type of cancer. Synovial sarcomas may make up
Where does sarcoma usually start?
The
The next most common place for soft tissue sarcomas to develop is the torso, with this accounting for 19% of soft tissue sarcomas.
What does a sarcoma lump feel like?
A sarcoma lump
As a sarcoma grows, it may begin to press on surrounding nerves, organs, blood vessels, or muscles. This can cause pain, and people may have trouble breathing.
Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that forms in the soft tissues of the body.
Synovial sarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma and commonly affects the shoulder. People may feel a painless lump or swelling under the skin. A sarcoma can cause pain if it presses on nearby nerves or muscles.
People may have surgery to remove the tumor. Doctors can also use radiation therapy or chemotherapy to treat soft tissue sarcoma. Complete removal of the tumor may improve a person’s outlook.