About this topic
Cancer happens when normal cells grow out of control. Soft tissue sarcomas are a kind of cancer that grows in the soft tissues of the body. These include fat, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and deep skin tissues. Some examples of soft tissue sarcoma are: ‚
- Fat ¢ ˆ ’ liposarcoma
- Fibrous tissues ¢ ˆ ’ fibrosarcoma
- Muscles ¢ ˆ ’ leiomyosarcoma
- Blood vessels ¢ ˆ ’ angiosarcoma
These tumors can start anywhere in the body. They can grow larger and can spread to other body parts. This kind of cancer is treated in a number of ways. They may include surgery, radiation, or drugs called chemo. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- If you had surgery, follow your doctors orders for wound care.
- If you are having chemo or radiation, your doctor may give you drugs to help stop you from feeling sick or other side effects.
- If your leg was affected, you may need to use crutches.
- Good hand washing is very important.
- Stay away from people who are not feeling well.
- Stay away from people who have received live shots.
- Do not change the cat litter.
- Wear a mask when going outdoors. Stay away from public or crowded places.
- Use an electric razor when shaving.
- Quit smoking. If you have problems with quitting, ask for help.
- Consider joining a support group. This can help you understand and deal with your illness.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need more blood work, tests, or treatment. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Ask your doctor what drugs you will need to take. Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor. The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Kill cancer cells
- Help with pain
- Help with side effects like upset stomach and throwing up
- Prevent infection
- Keep blood cell counts up
Will physical activity be limited?
- Rest is important. Your activity level will depend on your procedure or treatment. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. Ask your doctor when you can return to your normal activities.
- Exercising can help lower fatigue. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy for strengthening.
- Do light activities. Start with walking and light exercises.
What changes to diet are needed?
- You may need to follow certain limits based on your blood counts. This includes not eating fresh fruits and vegetables if your blood counts are low. Your doctor will tell you if you need to do this.
- Eat healthy. Make every bite count by eating nutritious foods. If you need help to plan your meals or keep up your weight, ask to see a dietitian.
- Eat small meals more often throughout the day.
- Take sips of water to replace the fluids that get lost with throwing up and loose stools.
- If your throat is sore and it is hard to eat solid foods, soups and pureed fruits or vegetables may be easier to swallow.
What problems could happen?
- Cancer comes back
- Infections
- Bleeding
- Very few red blood cells. This is anemia.
- You will not be able to have babies. This is called infertility.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or sweats.
- Upset stomach and throwing up that is not helped by drugs
- Not able to do normal activities because of weakness
- Belly pain
- Cough that gets worse
- Sudden chest pain
- Skin changes like rashes and yellowish skin
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
- Keep yourself busy during chemo sessions. Bring a book, computer, or DVD player to help pass the time during your treatments.
- Have someone with you during your chemo and radiotherapy sessions. Support of family and friends can help you recover.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what kind of treatment I will be having.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, or sudden chest pain.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00508 ‚
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/Sarcoma-AdultSoftTissueCancer/DetailedGuide/sarcoma-adult-soft-tissue-cancer-soft-tissue-sarcoma ‚
National Cancer Institute ‚
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/soft-tissue-sarcoma ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚