What is Soft-Tissue Sarcoma?

Soft-tissue sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the non-bony connective tissues of the body. The connective tissues of the body connect, surround, and support the body's organs. These soft tissues include muscles, joints, nerves, tendons, fat, and blood vessels. Soft-tissue sarcomas most often begin in the thighs, legs, arms, abdomen and chest, but may form anywhere in the body. The most common types of soft-tissue sarcoma are liposarcomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Soft-tissue sarcomas of the extremities are more common than other locations. About 60% of soft-tissue sarcomas form in the thighs, legs, and arms; 20% are in the abdomen or chest; and 10% are in the head and neck. There are many different subtypes of soft-tissue sarcoma, each with different characteristics, and so the severity of the tumor can vary. Some are not life-threatening and can be cured with surgery alone and/or radiation therapy, whereas others are much more aggressive and therefore may also require chemotherapy.