Soft-tissue sarcoma is a malignant tumor that develops in the soft tissues of the body, such as the nerves, blood vessels, tendons, soft skin tissue, and fatty tissue. These are rare types of cancer, and they generally affect the tissues that are crucial in providing body support and movement and in protecting the organs. Soft-tissue sarcomas can develop in any part of the body, and they can even affect the neck, head, and trunk regions.

Causes
The causes of soft-tissue sarcoma are not yet clear. However, one of the most common causes of the development of sarcomas is a mutation in the DNA. Mutations can lead to defects in the normal cellular growth control mechanisms, which eventually leads to uncontrolled growth of cells. These cells then form a tumor that can spread to other tissues and organs. This type of tumor is called a metastatic tumor or malignant tumor. In soft-tissue sarcoma, DNA mutation can occur in any soft-tissue in the body. For example, a mutation in the fat cells can cause liposarcoma, while angiosarcoma develops when the DNA in the blood vessels get mutated. Some of the prominent sarcomas of soft tissues are pleomorphic sarcoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, Kaposi’s sarcoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and epithelioid sarcoma.

Risk factors
Some of the common risk factors of soft-tissue sarcoma are as follows:

• Genetic factors : Some individuals are born with defective genes and they are more prone to develop certain soft-tissue sarcomas. For example, Werner syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and hereditary retinoblastoma.
• Chemical exposure : Chemicals can cause mutation in the DNA and thus may be a cause for the onset of soft-tissue sarcoma. For example, chronic exposure to vinyl chloride, arsenic, dioxin, and some herbicides and pesticides may increase the risk of sarcoma.
• Radiation : Less than 5% of sarcoma cases are due to radiation exposure during cancer treatment. A sarcoma generally begins in the part of the body that was treated using radiation, and in certain cases, the time lag between treatment and the diagnosis of the sarcoma may be 10 years.
• Lymph nodes dysfunction : Lymph nodes may get damaged due to radiation exposure or, in certain cases, removed from the body. These conditions can cause swelling and accumulation of fluid in the lymph nodes, which is called lymphedema. In rare cases, lymphedema can cause lymphangiosarcoma, which is a malignant tumor of the lymphatic system.

Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms of soft-tissue sarcoma are as mentioned:

• Swelling or formation of lumps that increase in size and are painful.
• Pain in the muscles or nerves.
• When a lump recurs after removal.

Conclusion
Soft-tissue sarcoma affects several soft-tissues of the body, such as the muscles, ligaments, fat tissues, and blood vessels. Several factors such as radiation exposure, chronic exposure to harmful chemicals, and genetic factors can lead to changes in the structure of DNA and cause it to mutate. You must consult an oncologist for early diagnosis and treatment if you suspect abnormal growth in any soft-body part.