Weichteilsarkome verständlich erklärt.

A soft tissue sarcoma is a malignant tumor that arises from supporting or connective tissue - i.e. from muscles, fatty tissue, blood vessels, nerves or tendons. This type of tumor is therefore fundamentally different from the more well-known carcinomas that develop in organs such as the lungs or intestines. In this video, we talk to Prof. Dr. Kasper, Medical Director of the Mannheim Cancer Center and Coordinator of its Sarcoma Center, about this rare but serious disease: soft tissue sarcoma. Sarcomas can occur anywhere in the body, but most frequently in the arms and legs. Particularly challenging: they can lie deep in the body and often grow without causing pain. This makes early detection difficult. What does “sarcoma” mean? Sarcoma comes from the Greek (“sarx” = flesh) and describes tumors that arise from non-epithelial tissue - in contrast to carcinomas, which arise from mucous membrane or glandular tissue. A soft tissue tumor in itself is initially only an unexplained mass. Only through further diagnostics can it be determined whether it is benign or malignant (i.e. a sarcoma). How common are soft tissue sarcomas? Soft tissue sarcomas account for only around 1% of all malignant tumors in adults. They are therefore considered a rare disease - officially defined as: less than 6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year. Even more complicated: There are over 150 different subtypes, depending on the tissue from which the tumor originates. Typical subtypes (with explanation): Liposarcoma: from fatty tissue, mainly in the abdomen or on the limbs Leiomyosarcoma: from smooth muscle, e.g. on blood vessels Rhabdomyosarcoma: from skeletal muscle, especially in children and adolescents Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma: not clearly classifiable, often in older adults Synovial sarcoma: from tissue close to the joint, especially in young adults GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor): in the gastrointestinal tract, does not originate from classic connective tissue, but treated similarly Who can be affected? Adults, especially from the age of 60 But also children and adolescents - bone and soft tissue sarcomas are particularly relevant here Are there risk factors? In most cases, soft tissue sarcomas develop spontaneously (so-called sporadic). Only in rare cases do hereditary factors or previous radiotherapy play a role. If there is reasonable suspicion, sarcoma centers offer human genetic counseling. Symptoms and first indications: Painless swelling Rapid growth Deep-seated mass, often not visible, only palpable Symptoms often only appear late What to do if suspected? Early and targeted diagnosis is important: Imaging - preferably with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Tissue sample (biopsy) - ideally under the guidance of a sarcoma center → Important: The biopsy should be planned in advance at a specialist center so as not to complicate subsequent operations unnecessarily. Why a specialized sarcoma center? Because experience counts. Due to its rarity, many doctors are not regularly confronted with sarcomas in their GP or specialist practice. The recommendation: go to a certified sarcoma center early on. These centers can be found on the OncoMAP platform and must be able to see new patients within five days. How does the treatment work? Treatment is almost always multimodal, i.e. various methods are used in combination: Surgery: central element of therapy Radiotherapy: before or after surgery to prevent recurrence Chemotherapy: for certain subtypes or in advanced stages Immunotherapy: so far only effective in a few exceptional cases Clinical trials: offer access to innovative therapies when standard procedures have been exhausted The therapy usually takes several weeks to months, depending on the individual course and the methods used. With Prof. Dr. Bernd Kasper (Mannheim University Hospital) and Karin Strube (Strube Foundation) A film by the Strube Foundation in cooperation with the German Sarcoma Foundation. Advice from the patient representatives: Susanne Gutermuth and Odette Helbig. Coordination by Katja Winter 0:00 Intro What is a soft tissue sarcoma? Is a soft tissue sarcoma cancer? Where in the body can soft tissue sarcomas develop? Common sites for soft tissue sarcomas in the body Difficult initial diagnosis due to rarity A rare type of cancer Disease possible at any age Are there risk factors? Benign or malignant soft tissue tumors? Common subtypes of soft tissue sarcomas How can you recognize a soft tissue sarcoma? Imaging: the first step towards diagnosis Biopsy: No diagnosis without a tissue sample When should you be referred to a sarcoma center? Therapy