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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.

Sarcoma and Connective Tissue Medical Oncology

Leading-edge Care and Research

  • Regional leader in cancer research: With access to over 170 clinical trials, patients can join locally many of the same leading-edge studies that are available at larger centers. We are a research destination with enrolled patients who come from over 20 different U.S. states and two foreign countries.
  • Specialized expertise leading innovation: Our board-certified and fellowship-trained oncologists are subspecialized, allowing them to lead the way in advancing cancer treatment through innovative clinical trials and groundbreaking research.
  • We’re here when you need us: With same- or next-day appointments for newly diagnosed patients, valet parking and multiple locations across Kentucky and Southern Indiana, access to quality oncology care is our top priority.
  • Highly specialized testing and precision medicine: Our state-of-the-art Norton Cancer Institute Genomics Lab offers highly specialized testing that makes it possible to diagnose and treat cancer more precisely and to tailor advanced treatments based on a tumor’s specific genetic composition.
  • One-stop shop for care: Multidisciplinary care settings allow patients to schedule appointments with multiple specialists across Norton Healthcare on the same day and in the same location, making your cancer care more convenient and streamlined. This often saves patients the hassle of scheduling multiple appointments and planning for extra travel time.
  • Highly accredited: Norton Cancer Institute is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, and the American College of Radiology.

Care Designed With You in Mind

  • Robust support services: With five Norton Cancer Institute Resource Centers throughout Louisville and Southern Indiana, a patient navigator program, Behavioral Oncology Program, classes and events, art and music therapy, genetic counseling, nutrition services, financial counseling and more, our support team cares not just for the body, but the person within.
  • Insurance coverage: Medicare, Medicaid and most major commercial insurance plans are accepted.
  • Specialty pharmacy services: 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.
  • Ease of communication with your care team: Use your free Norton MyChart account to communicate with your provider, view appointments, refill prescriptions, get on the waitlist for an earlier appointment and more, anytime from a mobile device or computer
  • The Norton Healthcare Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Norton Healthcare’s not-for-profit adult-care services, continuously supports the purchase of new equipment, programs, education and funding of research to ensure our patients stay up to date with medical advances and technology.

Awards and Accreditations

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