Childhood Soft Tissue Sarcoma Treatment | I D Cancer Center
Comprehensive Diagnosis & Advanced Pediatric Cancer Care at I D Cancer Center, Lucknow
Childhood Soft Tissue Sarcomas (STS) are rare cancers that develop in the soft tissues of the body—such as muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. These tumors can appear anywhere but are most common in the arms, legs, chest, abdomen, and head-and-neck region.
Childhood Soft Tissue Sarcomas (STS) are rare cancers that develop in the soft tissues of the body—such as muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. These tumors can appear anywhere but are most common in the arms, legs, chest, abdomen, and head-and-neck region.
What Are Childhood Soft Tissue Sarcomas?
Soft tissue sarcomas form when abnormal cells grow in the body’s connective or supportive tissues. They include:
Soft tissue sarcomas form when abnormal cells grow in the body’s connective or supportive tissues. They include:
Common Types
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) – most common in children
Fibrosarcoma
Synovial Sarcoma
Liposarcoma
Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor (MPNST)
Ewing-like soft tissue tumors
These tumors vary in behavior and require specialized pediatric oncology treatment.
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) – most common in children
Fibrosarcoma
Synovial Sarcoma
Liposarcoma
Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor (MPNST)
Ewing-like soft tissue tumors
These tumors vary in behavior and require specialized pediatric oncology treatment.
Common Symptoms of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in Children
Symptoms depend on the tumor location but may include:
A painless lump or swelling that increases over time
Pain (rare in early stages)
Reduced movement in limbs
Persistent abdominal pain or fullness
Difficulty swallowing or breathing (for head, neck, chest tumors)
Limping or difficulty walking
Any growing lump in a child should be evaluated promptly.
Symptoms depend on the tumor location but may include:
A painless lump or swelling that increases over time
Pain (rare in early stages)
Reduced movement in limbs
Persistent abdominal pain or fullness
Difficulty swallowing or breathing (for head, neck, chest tumors)
Limping or difficulty walking
Any growing lump in a child should be evaluated promptly.
Risk Factors
Although most cases occur without a known cause, certain factors increase risk:
Genetic conditions (Li-Fraumeni syndrome, NF1)
Prior radiation exposure
Family history of rare tumors
Certain congenital abnormalities
Early evaluation is essential as symptoms may resemble benign childhood lumps.
Although most cases occur without a known cause, certain factors increase risk:
Genetic conditions (Li-Fraumeni syndrome, NF1)
Prior radiation exposure
Family history of rare tumors
Certain congenital abnormalities
Early evaluation is essential as symptoms may resemble benign childhood lumps.
How Childhood Soft Tissue Sarcoma Is Diagnosed
At I D Cancer Center, diagnosis follows a systematic and child-focused approach:
At I D Cancer Center, diagnosis follows a systematic and child-focused approach:
1. Clinical Examination
Assessment of lump size, location, mobility, and symptoms.
Assessment of lump size, location, mobility, and symptoms.
2. Imaging
Ultrasound for initial assessment
MRI – most important for defining tumor extent
CT scan (chest and abdomen)
PET-CT for advanced staging
Ultrasound for initial assessment
MRI – most important for defining tumor extent
CT scan (chest and abdomen)
PET-CT for advanced staging
3. Biopsy
Core needle biopsy (preferred)
- Surgical biopsyPathology confirms tumor type and grade.
Core needle biopsy (preferred)
4. Molecular & Genetic Studies
Fusion testing (e.g., PAX3-FOXO1 in RMS)
- Genetic mutation analysisHelps plan targeted therapy.
Fusion testing (e.g., PAX3-FOXO1 in RMS)
5. Additional Tests
Blood tests
Bone marrow examination (selected cases)
Blood tests
Bone marrow examination (selected cases)
Treatment Options at I D Cancer Center
Management requires a multidisciplinary team including pediatric oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and rehabilitation experts.
Management requires a multidisciplinary team including pediatric oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and rehabilitation experts.
1. Surgery
Aim: Maximum safe removal of tumor
Limb-sparing surgery whenever possible
Reconstruction in selected cases
Complete excision improves cure rates
Aim: Maximum safe removal of tumor
Limb-sparing surgery whenever possible
Reconstruction in selected cases
Complete excision improves cure rates
2. Chemotherapy
3. Radiation Therapy
Advanced technologies available at I D Cancer Center include:
IMRT / VMAT — highly precise radiation
IGRT for daily accuracy
Brachytherapy (for select head-and-neck tumors)
Proton-like conformal planning techniques
SBRT for selected recurrence/metastatic lesions
Radiation is especially helpful when:
Surgery is not possible
Margins are close or positive
Tumor is large or near vital organs
Advanced technologies available at I D Cancer Center include:
IMRT / VMAT — highly precise radiation
IGRT for daily accuracy
Brachytherapy (for select head-and-neck tumors)
Proton-like conformal planning techniques
SBRT for selected recurrence/metastatic lesions
Radiation is especially helpful when:
Surgery is not possible
Margins are close or positive
Tumor is large or near vital organs
4. Targeted Therapy
Used for tumors with specific genetic markers or mutations.
Used for tumors with specific genetic markers or mutations.
5. Immunotherapy
Emerging options in selected advanced or metastatic cases.
Emerging options in selected advanced or metastatic cases.
6. Supportive & Rehabilitation Care
Physiotherapy to maintain limb function
Pain management
Nutrition support
Psychosocial counseling for child & parents
Long-term functional assessment
Physiotherapy to maintain limb function
Pain management
Nutrition support
Psychosocial counseling for child & parents
Long-term functional assessment
7. Treatment of Recurrent or Metastatic Disease
Advanced chemotherapy
SBRT or IMRT
Surgery (selected cases)
Immunotherapy/targeted therapy
Advanced chemotherapy
SBRT or IMRT
Surgery (selected cases)
Immunotherapy/targeted therapy
Prognosis
Prognosis depends on:
Tumor type and grade
Size and stage of tumor
Response to initial therapy
Completeness of surgical removal
With modern treatment, many children achieve long-term survival and excellent quality of life.
Prognosis depends on:
Tumor type and grade
Size and stage of tumor
Response to initial therapy
Completeness of surgical removal
With modern treatment, many children achieve long-term survival and excellent quality of life.
