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Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is a soft tissue sarcoma cancer that develops in connective tissue, and it might develop in the deeper connective tissues that surround the muscles. The connective tissues play a crucial role in supporting and protect the organs by providing a structural framework. This includes tissues such as bones, cartilage, and fat. It typically develops in the arms and legs and may appear like a lump.
MFS is initiated by the proliferation of cells that have the potential to develop into healthy bodily tissue. This growth can cause a slow increase in the size of a lump under the skin. Generally, MFS does not cause any pain, and it is more commonly seen in individuals who are over 50 years of age.
MFS is an aggressive form of cancer that quickly metastasizes to other parts of the body. Its treatment typically involves surgery to remove the cancer, along with chemotherapy and radiation therapy as additional options. However, MFS has a higher risk of recurrence following treatment compared to some other types of cancer.
Symptoms
Initially, myxofibrosarcoma may not manifest any noticeable symptoms. However, as the tumor progresses, you may have:
- Lump under the skin
- Pain or discomfort
- Swelling
Causes
Myxofibrosarcoma’s cause is unknown, but it, like other forms of cancer, occurs due to a mutation in the DNA of cells, prompting them to replicate. This replication leads to the formation of an abnormal mass known as a tumor.
Risk factors
Several factors, including MFS, can raise the risk of developing malignant soft tissue tumors.
- Age: This is commonly seen in individuals over the age of 50.
- Gender: Males are more affected than females.
- Genetics: Certain hereditary disorders may increase the risk of soft tissue sarcoma.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to herbicides and arsenic are two pollutants that could potentially increase the risk.
- Radiation therapy: Previous radiation therapy may also increase the risk of developing myxofibrosarcoma.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing myxofibrosarcoma can be challenging as it may resemble other growths. Several tests and procedures are used to diagnose MFS, such as:
- Physical examination: Your healthcare provider will ask about your current symptoms and overall health, and they will also perform a physical examination to check for any possible signs of cancer in your body.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests can help healthcare providers determine the size of a tumor. In order to check for indications that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the patient may need to undergo further imaging examinations such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans.
- Biopsy: A biopsy is a medical procedure that involves extracting a small amount of suspicious tissue from the body for laboratory analysis. This analysis can determine the presence and type of cancer. Depending on the case, the tissue sample may be obtained through the use of a needle or through surgical means.
Diagnosing MFS can be challenging due to its resemblance to other types of cancer and non-cancerous conditions. However, utilizing advanced laboratory tests and careful imaging techniques can aid healthcare professionals in accurately identifying the disease.
Treatment
The treatment for MFS usually involves surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The goal of the treatment is to eliminate all the cancer cells, which can be challenging as MFS often returns and can be more aggressive the second time. The healthcare team devises a treatment plan based on the size and location of the cancer as well as how fast it grows.
The type of treatment given to a patient with MFS depends on the characteristics of their cancer. If the cancer is growing quickly, different treatment options are considered compared to a cancer that is growing slowly. The healthcare team aims to get rid of all cancer cells to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
The treatment for myxofibrosarcoma is determined by various factors, which may include:
- Grade: In the case of a low-grade myxofibrosarcoma, typically surgery alone is sufficient as treatment. However, for a high-grade myxofibrosarcoma, a combination of surgery and additional treatments like radiation therapy may be necessary.
- Stage: Staging is used by healthcare providers to determine the extent of cancer spread in the body. A higher stage typically indicates more widespread myxofibrosarcoma, which usually requires surgery in conjunction with other treatments.
- Size: Surgery is more likely to be the only option if the tumor is less than 2 inches (approximately 5 cm). For a bigger tumor, patients could require extra treatments, including radiation therapy.
- Depth: Radiation therapy and surgery can be necessary for a tumor that has spread to the deeper tissues, such the area in between the muscles.
Treatment options include:
- Surgery: Surgery aims to remove as much of the cancer as possible, and if all the cancer is removed, surgery alone may be sufficient as treatment. However, in some cases, it may be challenging to remove all the cancer as it tends to spread out and grow deep into the tissue, which may make it difficult for surgeons to see and ensure complete removal.
In the past, amputation was a common approach to remove cancerous tissue. However, modern treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy can be used before surgery to shrink the cancer, making it easier to remove without the need for amputation.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy employs high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to eliminate cancer cells. This treatment can be administered prior to surgery to reduce the size of the malignant growth or following surgery to eliminate any remaining cancerous cells.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using drugs to eradicate cancer cells and may be a viable treatment option for rapidly progressing MFS that has not responded to other treatments.
