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Understanding Muscle Cancer

In this article:

Incidence and Mortality Statistics
Common Symptoms
Risk Factors
Diagnostic Methods
Treatment Methods
Personal Care

Overview of Hong Kong

Muscle Cancer Incidence and Survival Rate: Analysis of Rare Sarcoma Data

Commonly referred to as muscle cancer, the term is soft tissue sarcoma. Strictly speaking, muscle cancer refers to malignant tumours that grow in the tissues connecting and supporting body structures, including muscle and fat, blood vessels, and nerves. Although soft tissue sarcoma can occur in any body part, it is most commonly found in the limbs and abdomen.

Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare category of cancer worldwide. According to data from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, there are an average of 191 new cases each year, with an incidence of 2 cases per 100,000 people. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2021, there were about 13,460 new cases of soft tissue sarcoma in the U.S., with 7,720 cases (approximately 57%) occurring in men and 5,740 cases (approximately 43%) in women, indicating a higher incidence in males, though the difference is not significant.

The survival rate for this type of cancer largely depends on the stage of cancer cell development. The American Cancer Society analysed data from 2015 to 2019 and found that if soft tissue sarcoma is diagnosed without signs of metastasis, the 5-year survival rate can be as high as 81%. However, if the cancer has spread to nearby structures or lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate drops to 57%. Suppose the cancer has spread extensively to distant parts, such as the lungs, the survival rate plummets to just 16%. Thus, early detection and treatment are crucial for extending patient lifespans.

Since soft tissue sarcoma can occur in any part of the body, many types have been identified by the medical community, including:

  • Angiosarcoma
  • Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
  • Epithelioid sarcoma
  • Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST)
  • Kaposi’s sarcoma
  • Leiomyosarcoma
  • Liposarcoma
  • Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours
  • Myxofibrosarcoma
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma
  • Solitary fibrous tumour
  • Synovial sarcoma
  • Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma

The medical community still strives to identify the specific causes of soft tissue sarcoma. Generally, like other cancers, it is caused by mutations in cellular genes. When cells grow uncontrollably, they form tumours and invade nearby normal tissues. As mentioned above, soft tissue sarcoma can be categorised into several types based on the location of genetic mutations and the types of cells involved.

Although the exact causes are unknown, several factors are considered to increase the risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma:

  • Genetic Disorders: Soft tissue sarcoma may be inherited from parents, with related conditions including retinoblastoma, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, and Werner syndrome.
  • Chemicals: Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals, such as herbicides, arsenic, and dioxins, may increase the risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma.
  • Radiation: Long-term exposure to radiation, including radiation therapy for cancer treatment, can increase the risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma.

Symptoms of Muscle Cancer

Common Muscle Cancer Symptoms: Deep-Seated Masses and Nerve Compression Symptoms

In the early stages, soft tissue sarcoma may not present apparent symptoms, making it difficult for patients to detect. In some cases, patients may notice noticeable swelling. If the tumour presses on nerves or muscles, patients may experience pain. Additionally, some patients may see dark or bloody stools. If any unusual symptoms persist or worsen, it is essential to consult a doctor promptly.

Common Diagnostic Methods

Muscle Cancer Diagnosis Methods: MRI and Core Needle Biopsy Process

Given the variety of soft tissue sarcoma types, doctors must accurately assess the patient’s condition to formulate the most appropriate treatment plan. Typically, doctors will conduct two types of examinations:

  • Imaging Tests
    • X-ray: Doctors usually start with X-rays to locate the tumour; sometimes, a chest X-ray may be performed to determine if the sarcoma has spread to the lungs.
    • CT Scan: If doctors suspect the cancer has spread to the lungs or membranes, a CT scan will provide cross-sectional images of the patient’s body.
    • MRI: This method uses magnetic fields and radio waves to obtain images of the patient’s body, allowing for precise identification of tumours in the limbs and is often used to examine the brain and spine.
    • Ultrasound: This technique uses sound waves and their echoes to visualise the patient’s internal condition.
    • PET Scan: If doctors suspect that cancer has spread but need to confirm the extent and location, a radioactive sugar solution is injected into the patient’s bloodstream to highlight tumour locations by reflecting the higher glucose consumption of cancer cells.
  • Biopsy: In some cases, after imaging tests, doctors may only confirm the existence of cancer without identifying its type, necessitating a more direct examination. Depending on the tumour size, biopsies can be performed using needle aspiration or surgical methods.

Through various diagnostic methods, doctors can assess the state of the sarcoma within the patient and determine the stage of cancer, allowing for the best treatment plan. Unlike other types of cancer, staging soft tissue sarcoma also considers differences between the tumour and normal cells, the number of dividing cells, and the distribution of necrotic tissue. Tumours are graded from 1 (lowest) to 3 (highest), and some cases may not be assessable due to insufficient information.

Doctors stage the patient’s condition based on tumour grade, size, location, and extent of spread. The following are standard staging criteria for soft tissue sarcoma:

StageDescription
IACancer cells measure no more than 5 cm in diameter and have not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant tissues; the tumour is grade 1 or not assessable.
IBCancer cells measure more than 5 cm but no more than 10 cm, or more than 10 cm but no more than 15 cm, or more than 15 cm; the cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant tissues, and the tumour is grade 1 or not assessable.
IICancer cells measure no more than 5 cm and have not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant tissues; the tumour is grade 2 or 3.
IIIACancer cells measure more than 5 cm but no more than 10 cm and have not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant tissues; the tumour is grade 2 or 3.
IIIBCancer cells measure more than 10 cm but no more than 15 cm, or more than 15 cm; the cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant tissues; the tumour is grade 2 or 3.
IVAny size, any grade tumour has spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs.

Primary Treatment Methods

Muscle Cancer Treatment Methods: Wide Excision and Adjuvant Therapy Options

Doctors will choose the most appropriate treatment based on the stage of the patient’s condition and their overall health. Currently, the most common treatment methods for soft tissue sarcoma include surgical intervention, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, each with different applications, effects, and side effects.

  • Surgical Treatment: If the tumour is small and not located deeply, doctors can directly remove it. After surgery, the removed tissue is often examined to check for signs of cancer spread at the margins, which helps determine whether further surgery or additional treatments are needed to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

    However, not all cases can be treated solely by surgery. If the sarcoma grows within the abdomen and is adjacent to critical structures that cannot be removed, doctors may not be able to excise it completely. Additionally, if the sarcoma affects the patient’s limbs, relying solely on surgery may not be feasible, necessitating consideration of radiation or chemotherapy.

  • Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high-energy rays, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells and is a common approach for treating soft tissue sarcoma. Often, radiation therapy is conducted after surgery to eliminate any cancer cells that may remain in the body. In some cases, radiation therapy may precede surgery to shrink the cancer, making it easier to remove. If the patient is not in good health for surgery, radiation therapy may be considered first.

    Like other types of cancer, radiation therapy can lead to side effects that depend on the site and intensity of the treatment. Common side effects include skin peeling, fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, breathing difficulties, and osteoporosis. Additionally, if radiation is applied to the limbs, swelling, pain, or weakness may occur; if the head is treated, it could lead to hair loss, headaches, or even impact brain function.

  • Chemotherapy: If cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body, doctors may opt for chemotherapy, administering cancer-fighting drugs either orally or intravenously to target metastasised cancer cells. Common chemotherapy drugs for soft tissue sarcoma include ifosfamide, doxorubicin, and dacarbazine, with the choice of drug depending on the tumour’s location and type.

    Although chemotherapy can eliminate metastasised cancer cells, it also poses a risk of harming surrounding healthy tissues, leading to various side effects such as vomiting, loss of appetite, hair loss, mouth sores, and fatigue. Chemotherapy drugs may damage blood-producing cells in the bone marrow, leading to drops in blood cell counts and increased infection risk. Some side effects, like hair loss, are typically temporary, while others, such as heart function impairment from high doses of doxorubicin, can be lifelong.

  • Targeted Therapy:
    Targeted therapy also uses medications, but, unlike chemotherapy, these drugs mainly target differences between cancer cells and normal cells without directly killing them. For example, pazopanib can block several enzymes necessary for cell proliferation, slowing cancer cell growth or alleviating symptoms from sarcomas that cannot be surgically removed. Side effects may include hypertension, fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea, and headaches. Other targeted drugs have side effects, so patients should consult their doctors for more information.

Healthy Living

Post-Muscle Cancer Surgery Care: Strength Training and Functional Rehabilitation

Regardless of whether patients undergo surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor recovery progress and assess the risk of cancer recurrence or the development of another cancer. Patients must strictly adhere to their doctor’s instructions for examinations and medication. At the same time, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, including quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet, is crucial for boosting immune function and reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.

Prevention Methods

Muscle Cancer Prevention: The Impact of Radiation Exposure and Genetic Factors

There are no specific methods to prevent soft tissue sarcoma due to the variety of its forms and the lack of clear causative factors. Thus, reducing cancer risk involves avoiding the aforementioned risk factors, such as prolonged exposure to specific chemicals or radiation. If symptoms like muscle pain or blood in stools persist or worsen, prompt medical attention is essential for early diagnosis and optimal treatment outcomes.




▣ The information on this website has been reviewed by the HEAL Medical Team and is regularly updated according to the most recent clinical evidence. All content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Muscle Cancer FAQ

When should I suspect that I have soft tissue sarcoma?

As mentioned, soft tissue sarcoma may not initially present with apparent symptoms. Some patients may experience muscle pain due to tumours pressing on muscles or notice dark or bloody stools. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to seek medical advice. However, since these are not exclusive to soft tissue sarcoma and given that this type of cancer is relatively rare, there is no need for excessive concern; consulting a doctor for clarification is advisable.

Can soft tissue sarcoma be benign?

Soft tissue sarcomas are typically malignant, but tumours growing in the same location can also be benign. The likelihood of benign soft tissue tumours is often higher than that of bone tumours. Common benign soft tissue tumours include lipomas, angiomyolipomas, fibromas, and schwannomas. However, patients usually cannot determine the nature of the cancer themselves and should rely on medical examination.

Is there a difference between soft tissue sarcoma and lipomas?

Lipomas usually grow in the abdomen or thighs and are composed of fatty tissue, making them softer or rubbery and typically located just beneath the skin. In contrast, soft tissue sarcomas grow in the tissues that connect and support body structures, which may not be directly palpable. Nevertheless, patients may find it challenging to distinguish between the two, so a thorough examination by a doctor is recommended.

If soft tissue sarcoma occurs in the limbs, is amputation necessary?

In the past, many cases of soft tissue sarcoma required amputation to eliminate cancer cells. However, with advancements in medical technology, about 90% of cases no longer require such extreme measures, as radiation therapy and chemotherapy are viable alternatives. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial; if the sarcoma has spread and damaged other tissues, amputation may be necessary to prevent further spread to distant organs.

Is there a risk of recurrence for soft tissue sarcoma?

Indeed, the risk of recurrence is a concern for all cancer types, and patients with soft tissue sarcoma may experience recurrence due to incomplete removal of cancer cells during treatment or re-exposure to risk factors. Research in Europe indicates that while the 5-year survival rate for soft tissue sarcoma is relatively high, about 1 in 14 patients may be diagnosed again after 5 years. Therefore, patients should remain vigilant after treatment, schedule regular follow-ups, and monitor their health closely.



▣ The information on this website has been reviewed by the HEAL Medical Team and is regularly updated according to the most recent clinical evidence. All content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance.

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