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Fibrosarcoma - Fibrosarcoma symptom, treatment, causes

Fibrosarcoma is a rare malignant neoplasm (area of abnormal tissue growth) of fibrous tissue. Fibrosarcomas mostly occur around muscles in the limbs. but can also arise in bone or around nerves. Rarely, a FIBROMA (benign tumour of fibrous tissue) may develop into a fibrosarcoma. The sarcoma may invade adjacent tissues or be spread by the blood to distant organs and tissues. Sarcomas grow quickly, causing swelling - usually painful - of the affected part. They may feel hot and pulsating, and dilated blood vessels may appear on the overlying skin. Treatmentis by anti-cancer drugs or radiotherapy, followed by surgical removal.

Fibrosarcoma is a cancerous tumor of the deep structures of the skin, specifically the fibrous connective tissue. Fibrosarcomas can spread or metastasize to the lungs, heart, kidneys. It is found most commonly around the knee in the distal femur and proximal tibia followed by the pelvis. The tumor produces a collagen matrix but does not produce osteoid or chondroid. It is characterized by immature proliferating fibroblasts or undifferentiated anaplastic spindle cells. The two main types of fibrosarcoma of bone are: primary and secondary. Primary fibrosarcoma is a fibroblastic malignancy that produces variable amounts of collagen. Secondary fibrosarcoma of bone arises from a preexisting lesion or after radiotherapy to an area of bone or soft tissue. Fibrosarcoma presents in adults age 30 to 60 years old and affects men and women equally. Soft tissue fibrosarcoma normally occurs in fibrous tissue of the body's trunk and the extremities such as the arms and legs. Soft tissue fibrosarcomas are extremely rare, with approximately 500 new cases reported each year. The most common clinical presentation is that of a localized, painful mass. Fibrosarcomas can form from fibroblasts in soft tissue such as muscles, connective tissues, blood vessels, joints, and fat. Fibrosarcoma occurs both as an intramedullary and periosteal lesion.

Fibrosarcoma of bone may arise within the medulla (central) or periosteal surface (peripheral) and have been reported to occur secondary to heavy radiation exposure, Paget's disease, bone infarcts, fibrous dysplasia and giant cell tumors. Fibrosarcoma of bone occurs slightly more commonly in men than in women. Fibrosarcomas of the bone usually occur in long bones in the bone marrow cavity where collagen is formed. The bones that predominantly yield fibrosarcomas are those in the legs, arms, pelvis, and hip. Fibrosarcoma of bone can be diagnosed in patients of any age, but it is diagnosed more commonly in patients in the fourth decade of life and is usually in the lower extremities, especially the femur and the tibia. Additional signs are dependent on the site of origin and possibly on the site of metastasis. For instance, limping will be noted if an extremity if involved. Problems with eating, loose teeth, mouth odor, etc. will be seen if the jaw is affected (usually the lower jaw). Lymph nodes will be enlarged if the fibrosarcoma has metastasized to them and systemic signs may be obvious if other organs are involved. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for fibrosarcoma. If an extremity is affected, this might mean amputation of that limb. Surgery may be the only treatment necessary, but if the tumor is unable to be completely removed, or metastases are likely or present, adjuvant treatment will be offered.

Causes of Fibrosarcoma

The common causes and risk factor's of Fibrosarcoma include the following:

• The exact cause of fibrosarcoma is not known.
• Genetic alterations may play a role.
• Exposure to radiation.
• Trauma.
• Inherited mutations.

Symptoms of Fibrosarcoma

Some sign and symptoms related to Fibrosarcoma are as follows:

• A painless or tender mass in an extremity or trunk.
• Local warmth.
• Dilated blood vessels.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Limping or other difficulty using legs, feet, arms hands.
• Broken bone.
• Impeded normal range of motion.
• Urinary obstruction.

Treatment of Fibrosarcoma

Here is list of the methods for treating Fibrosarcoma:

• Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that works by interfering with the cancer cell's ability to grow or reproduce. Different groups of drugs work in different ways to fight cancer cells and shrink tumors.
• Radiation uses high-energy rays from a specialized machine to damage or kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
• Surgery for fibrosarcoma involves the biopsy, surgical removal of the tumor, bone grafts, limb salvage procedures, amputation, and reconstruction, all performed by a surgeon. The type of surgery will depend on the size and location of the tumor, and whether the cancer has spread.
• Rehabilitation includes physical and occupational therapy and psychosocial adapting