5 Signs You May Have Fibrosarcoma -- Symptoms, Causes, Effects, Treatment and Prevention
Fibrosarcoma is a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma that originates from fibrous connective tissue. It commonly affects the limbs, particularly the legs, but can occur in other parts of the body as well. Fibrosarcoma is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of malignant fibroblast cells.
Symptoms of Fibrosarcoma:
Fibrosarcoma may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. As the tumor grows, individuals may experience:
- A palpable mass or lump in the affected area.
- Localized pain or tenderness.
- Swelling or enlargement of the affected area.
- Limited range of motion if the tumor is near a joint.
- Neurological symptoms if the tumor compresses nerves.
Diagnosis of Fibrosarcoma:
The diagnosis of fibrosarcoma involves various procedures and tests, including:
- Medical history and physical examination: The doctor will evaluate the patient's symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical examination to assess the affected area.
- Imaging tests: X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are used to visualize the tumor, determine its size and location, and assess the involvement of nearby tissues and structures.
- Biopsy: A biopsy is performed to obtain a tissue sample for microscopic examination. This helps confirm the diagnosis of fibrosarcoma and determine its grade and extent of spread.
Causes of Fibrosarcoma:
The exact cause of fibrosarcoma is not well understood. However, certain factors may increase the risk, including:
- Genetic predisposition: Some rare genetic conditions, such as hereditary retinoblastoma, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and neurofibromatosis type 1, are associated with an increased risk of developing fibrosarcoma.
- Exposure to radiation: Previous radiation therapy for cancer treatment can increase the risk of developing fibrosarcoma later in life.
Effects of Fibrosarcoma:
Fibrosarcoma can have significant effects on a person's health and well-being. It can invade and destroy nearby tissues, leading to functional impairment and potentially spreading to distant sites through metastasis.
Treatment of Fibrosarcoma:
The treatment of fibrosarcoma depends on various factors, including the tumor's size, location, grade, and the overall health of the patient. Treatment options may include:
- Surgery: The mainstay of treatment for fibrosarcoma is surgical removal of the tumor. The extent of surgery depends on the tumor's size, location, and involvement of nearby structures. In some cases, limb-sparing surgery or reconstructive procedures may be performed to preserve function.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery to target and destroy cancer cells, reduce the risk of local recurrence, and alleviate symptoms.
- Chemotherapy: Fibrosarcoma is generally resistant to chemotherapy. However, certain cases may benefit from chemotherapy drugs to help shrink the tumor or control the spread of cancer cells.
Prevention of Fibrosarcoma:
There are no specific measures to prevent fibrosarcoma since the exact cause is unknown. However, avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure and early detection of any suspicious lumps or masses can help in early intervention and improved outcomes.
References:
Clark, M. A., & Fisher, C. (2011). Soft tissue sarcomas. British Journal of Surgery, 98(4), 528-529.
Shin, S. H., & Cho, J. (2018). Fibrosarcoma. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2021). NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Soft Tissue Sarcoma.
Ferrari, A., Sultan, I., Huang, T. T., Rodriguez-Galindo, C., Shehadeh, A., & Meazza, C. (2012). Soft tissue sarcoma across the age spectrum: a population-based study from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, 59(3), 394-399.
