Risk Factors
A risk factor is a characteristic, behavior, or condition that raises the possibility of developing a disease. Talk to your doctor about genetic testing if a family member has had a sarcoma or if certain other inherited conditions run in your family (see below). Sarcomas can be hereditary in some cases. Majority of sarcomas however, have no identifiable risk factor. Here are some of the known risk factors for developing soft-tissue sarcoma:
Inherited Genetic Diseases
Certain inherited genetic diseases such as retinoblastoma, Von-Recklinghausen disease, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Werner syndrome, Gorlin syndrome, and others may put you at higher risk to develop soft-tissue sarcomas.
Previous Radiation Therapy
Having been treated with radiation therapy for another form of cancer may put you at higher risk for developing soft-tissue sarcoma.
Chemical Exposure
Exposure to the industrial chemicals vinyl chloride (used to make plastics), thorium dioxide, and arsenic may increase your risk for developing a soft-tissue sarcoma.
Age
Soft-tissue sarcomas are most often seen in older adults and the average age of diagnosis is about 60; however, some types are more common in children.
