Several factors enhance the risk of soft tissue sarcoma. Clinicians must identify those risk factors and provide appropriate preventive measures to lower the risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma.
Soft Tissue Sarcoma Risk Factors
Some of the common soft tissue sarcoma risk factors include:
Age
Age is a non-modifiable soft tissue sarcoma risk factor. Although soft tissue sarcoma may occur at any age, the risk rises as age increases. The disease may also affect adolescents and children. Older adults have a higher risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma than younger adults. The condition is most frequently diagnosed in individuals between 50 and 70. The age-related patterns vary according to the soft tissue sarcoma subtypes.
Previous Radiotherapy Treatment
The history of radiation therapy is one of the soft tissue sarcoma risk factors. The use of ionizing radiation during radiation therapy may result in gene mutations that may transform healthy cells into malignant cells. Soft tissue sarcoma may have a latency period, meaning that the cancer may occur after several years of radiation therapy. The risk of soft tissue sarcoma increases with high radiation doses, more sessions, or a higher frequency of sessions. The oncologists need to monitor the patients for soft tissue sarcoma or other secondary cancers after radiation therapy.
Radiation Exposure
People with excessive radiation exposure are at increased risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma. Exposure to radiation during the imaging techniques is also a soft tissue sarcoma risk factor. Certain occupational and environmental radiation exposures may also enhance the risk of soft tissue sarcoma. These include excessive exposure to solar radiation or radiation from nuclear power plants.
Exposure to Chemicals
Exposure to certain chemicals is one of the soft tissue sarcoma risk factors. These chemicals include vinyl chloride (used in the production of plastics), dioxins (found in herbicides and other industrial processes), chlorophenols (used in the production of disinfectants and pesticides), and phenoxy herbicides.
Family History
Although family history is a soft tissue sarcoma risk factor, most cases occur spontaneously in patients with no family history. Specific genetic syndromes and hereditary conditions enhance the risk of soft tissue sarcoma. These include retinoblastoma, Garner syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
Infections and Lowered Immunity
The immune system has a vital role in detecting and killing the abnormal cells present in the body. The compromised immune system is a modifiable soft tissue sarcoma risk factor. Patients with poor immune systems, such as HIV and AIDS, are at a higher risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma.
Arm and Leg Swelling
Patients with lymphedema have a slightly increased risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma. The condition involves fluid accumulation in the tissues that results in swelling. Lymphedema may be caused by the removal of the lymph nodes by radiation therapy or surgery.
Umbilical or Inguinal Hernias
Children born with an inguinal or congenital umbilical hernia are at increased risk of developing sarcoma. The reason for this association is not clear.
How to Prevent Soft Tissue Sarcoma?
Although it is impossible to prevent soft tissue sarcoma, certain soft tissue sarcoma prevention measures lower its risk. Soft tissue sarcoma prevention strategies include minimizing modifiable risk factors and adhering to a healthy lifestyle. Some soft tissue sarcoma prevention measures are:
Avoiding Radiation Exposure
Minimizing exposure to ionizing radiation from medical treatments or occupational sources may lower the risk of radiation-induced soft tissue sarcomas.
Chemical Safety
Reducing exposure to harmful chemicals in the workplace or the environment, following safety guidelines, and using protective measures while working with harmful chemicals can reduce the risk of soft tissue sarcoma.
Genetic Counseling
Individuals with a family history of soft tissue sarcoma or those who are suffering from genetic syndromes that enhance the risk of soft tissue sarcoma should be provided genetic counseling. Information should be obtained about their risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
Like other cancers, a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of soft tissue sarcoma. It helps improve the immune system and enhances the body's ability to fight against abnormal cells. Engaging in regular physical activity may prevent cancer. A well-balanced diet comprising vegetables, fruits, and whole grains supports a healthy immune system.
Sun Protection
Excessive exposure to solar radiation should be avoided to lower the risk of soft tissue sarcoma. It includes going out in the sun only when necessary and using sunscreen lotions.
Prompt Medical Attention
It is important to consult the oncologists immediately if any symptom may cause concern, especially in people with a high risk for soft tissue sarcoma or individuals with a history of soft tissue sarcoma. Early detection helps with appropriate intervention and improves overall outcomes.
Conclusion
The soft tissue sarcoma risk factors include older age, history of radiation therapy, chemical exposure, lymphedema, genetic conditions, and compromised immunity. Soft tissue sarcoma prevention may be achieved through minimizing radiation exposure, safeguarding against chemical exposure, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soft tissue sarcoma prevention measures include reduced radiation and chemical exposure, a healthy lifestyle, and routine monitoring.
People with excessive exposure to radiation, older individuals, individuals with a history of radiotherapy, and patients with certain genetic conditions are at increased risk for soft tissue sarcoma.
The fatality rate of soft tissue sarcoma depends on several factors. These include the stage during the time of diagnosis, overall patient health, types of soft tissue sarcoma, and response to treatment. The 5-year soft tissue sarcoma survival rate is estimated to be about 65%.
Although there is a link between family history, hereditary conditions, and soft tissue sarcoma, most cases are sporadic and develop spontaneously.
