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What is a Soft Tissue Sarcoma?

Soft tissue sarcoma is a form of cancer that originates in the soft tissues including the muscle, fat, nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and linings of the joints. It commonly occurs in the legs, abdomen, and arms.

Causes of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Soft tissue sarcoma is caused by cell mutations resulting in uncontrolled growth of cells with the formation of a tumor. The tumor may invade surrounding structures and also spread to distant parts of the body. Factors that increase the risk of developing a soft tissue sarcoma include inherited syndromes, exposure to certain types of chemicals such as herbicides, and radiation exposure.

In the early stages of the disease, the soft tissue sarcoma may not exhibit any symptoms. However, once the tumor has increased in size there may be a noticeable swelling or lump as well as pain as the tumor impinges on the surrounding muscles and nerves.

Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

A diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma is based on symptoms, physical examination, and tests. Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans and biopsy of the tumor are performed to help confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Treatment includes surgical removal of the tumor with healthy margins. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy is recommended if complete surgical removal of the soft tissue sarcoma is not possible, the cancer has spread or to shrink the tumor prior to surgery.

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Pediatric Orthopaedics Clinic locations

  • Idaho Falls Community Hospital Pediatric Specialty Center

    2330 Desoto Street
    Idaho Falls, ID 83404

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  • Primary Children's Hospital (PCH)

    100 N. Mario Capecchi Drive
    Suite 4550,
    Salt Lake City, UT  84113

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  • Lehi Primary Children’s Hospital

    2250 N Miller Campus Dr
    Suite 300,
    Lehi, UT 84043

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  • Utah Valley Outpatient Center (Provo)

    1157 N. 300 W.
    Suite 302,
    Provo, UT 84604

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  • Layton Intermountain Hospital (Layton)

    201 W. Layton Parkway,
    Suite 3B,
    Layton, UT 84041

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  • Outreach Clinic - Missoula MT

    2360 Mullan Rd
    Suite C,
    Missoula MT 59808

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  • Outreach Clinic - St. George

    1380 E Medical Center Drive,
    Bldg 1; St.
    George UT 84790

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  • Outreach Clinic - Moab

    Moab Regional Hosp,
    450 Williams Way,
    Moab UT 84532

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  • Outreach Clinic - Blanding

    San Juan Health Dept.,
    735 S 200 W Ste 2,
    Blanding UT 84511

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  • Outreach clinic - Vernal

    Tricounty Health Dept.,
    133 S 500 E,
    Vernal UT 84078

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  • Outreach Clinic- Idaho Falls, ID

    Pediatric Specialty Clinic,
    Eastern ID Regional Medical Center,
    2330 Desoto St.
    Idaho Falls 83401

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