Childhood Cancer Facts

"Rare Soft Tissue Tumors" (other than the muscle)

Incidence:

• Less than .1% of all childhood cancers. (Due to the rarity of these tumors, children diagnosed with a Rare Soft Tissue Tumor should be treated at a Children's Cancer Center).

Description:

• Fibrosarcoma is a cancerous tumor found in the soft tissue of the body. The tumor begins from the fibrous connective tissue found in the skeletal muscles. This tumor usually is in the arm, legs, head and neck, trunk and pelvis. Fibrosarcomas occurs in infants, children and teenagers. Fibrosarcomas are neither inherited nor contagious.
  Survival rate: Depends on the extent of tumor spread and grade (younger children do better).
 
• Leiomyosarcoma is a cancerous tumor found in the soft tissue of the body. This tumor begins in the internal organs of the body, the stomach and the intestines, the genitals and the urinary system. Sarcomas are neither inherited nor contagious.
  Survival rate: Depends on how much tumor can be removed during surgery, the ability of the tumor to regrow, and how much the tumor has spread when first treated. Complete surgical removal of the tumor offers the best hope for long-term survival.
 
• Liposarcoma is a cancerous tumor of the fat tissue. The most commonly affected areas of the body are the arms and the legs (especially the thighs) and the abdomen. The head and neck, chest, shoulders, and feet are other common sites. These tumors can become very large. Liposarcomas can move by the blood and lymph systems to other parts of the body: however, metastases are rare. This tumor usually spreads to the lungs. This tumor is rare in children, occurring more often in infants and teenagers.
  Survival rate: Depends on the amount of tumor removed during surgery and the spread of the disease. The size and location of the tumor, the cell type, the age of the child, and type of treatment are critical factors. Children with "low-grade" tumors and complete tumor removal have an excellent prognosis.
 
• Synovial Sarcoma is a cancerous tumor found in the soft tissue of the body. This tumor is very rare in children. A Synovial sarcoma usually begins in the arms, legs, head and neck, or chest. Synovial sarcomas occur more often in children between 10 to 14 years old.
  Survival rate: The prognosis of children with Synovial sarcomas has been poor.

Current Treatment Options:

• Treatment for each of the sarcomas may vary but usually involves; surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and various tests and physical examinations.