What is Soft Tissue Sarcoma?

Soft tissue sarcoma is a cancer that starts in the soft tissue of the body and is most commonly found in the arms, legs, chest or abdomen. The risk of soft tissue sarcoma spreading (metastasis) is higher because these cancers can more easily spread from the arms and legs to the lymph nodes. There are around 50 kinds of soft tissue sarcoma.

Spindle cell sarcoma is a term often used to describe long and narrow cancer cells. It isn’t a cancer in itself, but a term that describes diseased cells found in many types of cancer. Bone cancer is a form of sarcoma, but is limited to the bones and associated soft tissues such as cartilage.

More cancer patients choose Norton Cancer Institute than any other oncology provider in Louisville or Southern Indiana. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained specialists work with surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and others to bring a range of opinions to bear on your case.

Norton Cancer Institute oncologists are often researchers as well. That means they’ll often have unique experience with newly approved treatments. In addition, with more than 200 clinical trials underway at any time, our providers have access to new and potentially groundbreaking treatments.

If you’ve been diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma, you want to start getting better right away. That’s why we offer same-day appointments for newly diagnosed patients.

At Norton Cancer Institute, you’ll have a one-on-one relationship with your oncologist, surgeon, radiation oncologist or other specialist. The next cancer doctor you see will be either someone you know or someone you’ll be seeing again who knows your case.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma Symptoms

Soft tissue sarcoma patients often report a visible or painful lump or knot. Also, recurrence of a lump that has been removed could be a soft tissue sarcoma symptom. If the lump gets bigger or becomes painful, make an appointment with your health care provider. Any lump that’s deep inside a muscle should be examined by your health care provider.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma Treatment

Surgery is almost always the first method of treating soft tissue sarcomas. Sometimes, chemotherapy or radiation will be added if necessary. Soft tissue sarcomas are graded from one to five, according to how aggressive the cancer is.

Why Choose Norton Cancer Institute

More patients in Louisville and Southern Indiana choose Norton Cancer Institute than any other provider in the area. We provide compassionate care for the whole person, not just the cancer.

Our Norton Cancer Institute oncologists are also researchers and principal investigators, offering patients sophisticated experience in the latest treatments and access to more than 200 clinical trials.

• Access to more than 100 specialists, including board-certified and fellowship-trained oncologists
• Multidisciplinary setting, meaning you get the benefit of opinions from multiple specialists across Norton Healthcare and often can schedule appointments for the same day in the same location
• Immunotherapies such as CAR-T cell therapy, genetic therapies tailored to combat the unique genetic makeup of your cancer and the latest in surgical treatments, chemotherapy and radiotherapy
• State-of-the-art Norton Cancer Institute Genomics Lab offering highly specialized testing that makes it possible to tailor advanced treatments based on a tumor’s specific genetic composition
• Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy for minimally invasive lung biopsies that can reach more parts of the lung without major surgery
• Medicare, Medicaid and most major commercial insurance accepted
• At Norton Specialty Pharmacy, patients receive regular consultations on their medications and treatment plan, making sure they get their prescriptions quickly and accurately. Our specialty pharmacists collaborate closely with your oncology team.
• Use your free Norton MyChart account to communicate with your provider, manage appointments, refill prescriptions, get on the wait list for an earlier appointment and more anytime from a mobile device or computer