Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Adult soft tissue sarcoma is a disease in which malignant cells form in the soft tissues of the body, which include the muscles, tendons, fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves, and tissues around joints. There are many different types of soft tissue sarcoma, with their classification based on tissue where the cancer is thought to have originated.
Having certain inherited disorders can increase the risk for this form of cancer including Li-Fraumeni syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, Werner syndrome, and nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. Other risk factors for soft tissue sarcoma include past treatment with radiation therapy for certain cancers; exposure to certain chemicals, such as thorium dioxide, vinyl chloride, or arsenic; and lymphedema in the arms or legs for a long time.
In 2025, some 13,520 people in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma and approximately 5,410 will die of the disease, according to estimates from the National Cancer Institute. The five-year relative survival rate is 66%.
Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma Treatment (PDQ®)Source: National Cancer Institute
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