What does STS mean in ONCOLOGY

Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a type of cancerous tumor that develops in soft tissues like muscle, fat, blood vessels, deep skin tissues, and connective tissues. It is a rare form of cancer that affects about 12,000 adults in the United States each year.

Common symptoms of STS include lumps or bumps on the body that may be tender to the touch and can increase in size over time; pain in the area near the lump; fatigue; and unexplained weight loss.

Soft tissue sarcoma can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and lymphatic system. This process is known as metastasis. Metastases can occur anywhere but most commonly occur in the lungs, liver, bones, and/or lymph nodes.

Risk factors for developing STS include previous radiation therapy, certain genetic conditions such as neurofibromatosis or Li-Fraumeni syndrome, exposure to certain pest chemicals or dioxin-containing herbicides such as Agent Orange, and immunosuppressive medications used after organ transplantation.

The diagnosis of STS typically begins with physical exam by a doctor. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans may also be used to confirm a potential diagnosis. Finally a biopsy may be performed where a sample of cells from the tumor are examined under a microscope to confirm whether it is cancerous or benign.

Treatment options for STS depend on several factors such as type and stage of tumor, location of tumor within body (e.g., near vital organs), age and general health of patient etc.. Common treatment options include surgery to remove tumor completely; chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to shrink tumors; cryotherapy which uses extreme cold temperatures to freeze tumors away; immunotherapy which uses drugs or substances to boost patient’s immune systems so it can fight off cancer cells more effectively; targeted therapy which involves using drugs specifically designed to target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected.

Yes, people diagnosed with this type of cancer have an increased risk for developing another sarcoma in future. Additionally those diagnosed with STS may also experience greater difficulty when trying to find life insurance due to their higher mortality risk.

Yes! It is important for you to follow your doctor’s recommendations following diagnosis including gaining any needed supportive care services (e.g., dietician); reducing stress levels; making sure you're getting enough sleep; eating healthy foods (low fat/low sugar); exercising regularly; limiting alcohol consumption; quitting smoking if applicable etc..

Yes! Genetic testing may be recommended for first degree relatives (e.g., parents, siblings) who show evidence or display signs similar symptoms linked with STS since they have increased risk compared to general population due family history.