Fibrosarcoma: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

• Jun 11
• Oncology

Fibrosarcoma is the tumour or cancer of fibrous soft tissues, that connect and fuse the body together. Fibrosarcoma is a sporadic type of cancer; Fibrosarcoma starts in the tissues wrapped around tendons, ligaments, and muscles, attaching muscles to bones and between bones.

Fibrosarcoma is of two types:

Congenital or infantile Fibrosarcoma (under the age of 1)

Adult Fibrosarcoma

Fibrosarcoma can happen anywhere in the connective tissues of nerves, tendons, ligaments, fat, muscle, deep skin, blood vessels, and lymph vessels. More than 50 types of Fibrosarcoma are diagnosed often in the thighs, legs, knees, and the trunk, made of malignant spindled fibroblasts, also known as myofibroblasts.

Symptoms of Fibrosarcoma:

Fibrosarcoma is often found in people aged between 20 to 60 years, and men are more prone to this condition than women. Fibrosarcoma may not present with any apparent symptoms at the initial stage, but if you notice the following changes in the body, do meet your doctor immediately.

• A big noticeable new lump.
• Pain in the area as the lump or tumour presses against nerves.
• It can cause difficulty in using the limb as it grows.
• Patients with Fibrosarcoma in the abdominal region might experience tenderness, pain, and difficulty breathing, even as the tumour presses against the surrounding organs, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.

What Causes Fibrosarcoma?

There is no specific reason that can point to Fibrosarcoma. However, a genetic mutation may play a role in triggering these cancerous growths. Other significant risk factors include certain inherited conditions like:

• Familial adenomatous polyposis
• Neurofibromatosis type 1
• Li-Fraumeni syndrome
• Werner syndrome
• Retinoblastoma
• Tuberous sclerosis
• Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome
• Exposure to previous radiation therapy
• Exposure to carcinogenic compounds like arsenic, asbestos

Diagnosis of Fibrosarcoma?

Fibrosarcoma is diagnosed by running blood work and correlating the results with imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, CT-scan, PET-CT, and bone scans. In case of a mass, a biopsy will be performed to collect the tissue sample to understand the type and growth of the cancer cells. Though lymph node metastasis is rare, your doctor might sometimes excise nearby lymph nodes.

Grading and Staging of Fibrosarcoma:

Fibrosarcoma cancer is graded on a scale of 1 to 3, depending on the size and progression. If the tests reveal the presence of tumour, the doctor would grade it depending on the size, aggression on a scale 1 to 3. If the cancer cells look like normal cells, then they are categorized under high grade. These cells tend to spread faster to the nearby lymph nodes. 

Stage 1: If the tumour is low-grade and is measuring less than 5 cm

Stage 2: If the tumour is middle or high-grade, 5 cm or larger

Stage 3: If the tumour is either high-grade and more significant than 5 cm or if it has already spread to lymph nodes

Stage 4: If the tumour had spread to other parts of the body

How Is Fibrosarcoma Treated?

In the majority of cases, surgery forms the first line of treatment. The treatment plan is decided upon considering various factors like grade, size, and location of the tumour, if it has already metastasized.  A tailor-made treatment plan will be carried out based on the age, general health history, and if cancer has recurred.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is administered either intravenously or through oral pills, and it plays a crucial role in killing cancer cells. If the cancer spreads to lymph nodes and other nearby organs, it is recommended. It can be given either before or after the surgery.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation projects high-energy X-rays that completely eliminate cancer cells and stop their growth. This therapy shrinks the cancer cells prior to the surgery. In specific instances, radiation therapy can be prescribed post-surgery to eliminate residual cancer cells in the body.

Life After Fibrosarcoma Treatment:

Getting treated for cancer could be physically and emotionally taxing, but positivity is the key. Try eating a healthy diet, rest well and spend time with your loved ones. If you are a smoker, quit the habit right now!

Ensure regular follow-ups and check-ups with your doctor at least for the first year and then later as per the schedule. Go for periodic blood and imaging tests as recommended by your doctor. If you notice any new lump or pain, talk to your doctor immediately. For more information on Fibrosarcoma and its treatment, contact Fortis Bangalore.