Soft Tissue Sarcoma Symptoms

Soft tissue sarcoma is a malignant tumor originating from connective tissues such as muscle, fat, blood vessels, or nerves, affecting a wide range of populations. Globally, the incidence is relatively higher in Europe and the United States, particularly among middle-aged and elderly individuals, with women slightly more affected than men. In Southeast Asia, countries such as Thailand and Vietnam have also reported cases, with incidence rising in recent years. The disease progresses rapidly, threatening life and health.

In some Southeast Asian countries, due to limited medical resources, soft tissue sarcomas are often misdiagnosed or treatment is delayed, leading to worsening conditions. During its development, the tumor not only remains at the primary site but may also invade locally and metastasize distantly, severely affecting survival and quality of life. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

Stages of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Stage I (Early localized stage)
The tumor is confined to the primary site without metastasis. Surgical treatment is effective, with a 5-year survival rate of about 70%-90%.

Stage II (Locally advanced stage)
The tumor enlarges, begins to invade adjacent tissues, and some lymph nodes may be involved. The 5-year survival rate is about 50%-70%.

Stage III (Regional spread stage)
The tumor spreads significantly to regional lymph nodes, with marked tissue destruction, making treatment more difficult. The 5-year survival rate is about 30%-50%.

Stage IV (Distant metastasis stage)
The tumor metastasizes to distant organs such as the lungs or liver. Symptoms worsen, and survival drops sharply, with a 5-year survival rate below 20%.

Detailed Symptoms of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

1. Persistent mass
Early soft tissue sarcoma often manifests as a painless mass, hard in texture with unclear boundaries. The mass gradually enlarges, and patients may ignore it, delaying treatment opportunities.

2. Increasing local pain
As the tumor grows, it compresses surrounding nerves, causing persistent pain. The pain varies, ranging from dull to sharp, and often worsens at night, affecting rest.

3. Functional limitation and limb stiffness
When tumors involve muscles and joints, mobility becomes limited, and limb stiffness occurs, leading to restricted movement and, in severe cases, affecting daily self-care ability.

4. Abnormal skin changes
The skin over the tumor site may become red, swollen, warm, or thinned, and ulcers may form, prone to secondary infection. These complex local symptoms increase treatment difficulty.

5. Accompanied systemic symptoms
Some patients present with fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss, suggesting late-stage disease and declining immunity, requiring close attention.

6. Noticeable lymph node enlargement
Local lymph nodes may become enlarged and hard, with tenderness, indicating possible local metastasis, which increases treatment difficulty and prognosis risk.

7. Neurological symptoms due to nerve involvement
Tumor compression of nerves may cause numbness, tingling, or abnormal sensations in limbs. Severe cases may lead to motor impairment, significantly affecting quality of life.

8. Tumor ulceration and bleeding
In advanced stages, tumors may rupture into ulcers, causing repeated bleeding and unbearable pain. Ulcers are difficult to heal and often accompanied by secondary infections, complicating treatment.

9. Respiratory symptoms due to distant metastasis
When metastasis spreads to the lungs, patients may develop cough, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, signaling severe disease that requires active comprehensive treatment.

Conclusion

Experts at United Life International Medical Center remind that soft tissue sarcomas have diverse symptoms, making early detection extremely important. Patients with abnormal masses or persistent pain should seek medical attention promptly. Modern immune reconstruction cell therapy brings new treatment opportunities, effectively improving symptoms and enhancing survival quality. Adherence to standardized treatment and cooperation with professional medical teams are key to fighting soft tissue sarcoma.