Fibrosarcoma

Synonyms

1

Overview

Fibrosarcoma (fibroblastic sarcoma) is a malignant tumor derived from fibrous connective tissue and characterized by immature proliferating fibroblasts or undifferentiated anaplastic spindle cells

Symptoms

There are many symptoms associated with the onset of fibrosarcomas. The following is a list of the main symptoms that may be present: 

  •  Pain 
  •  Swelling
  •  Firm lump just under the skin or on a bone
  •  Broken bone
  •  Impeded normal range of motion 
  •  Neurologic symptoms
  •  Gastrointestinal bleeding (seen in soft tissue abdominal fibrosarcomas) 
  •  Urinary frequency (seen in pelvic fibrosarcomas) 
  •  Urinary obstruction (seen in pelvic fibrosarcomas)

Causes

Fibrosarcomas of the bone are sometimes connected with underlying benign bone tumors. Both fibrosarcomas of soft tissue and of the bone can develop as a result of exposure to radiation. This can result as a side effect from previous radiation therapy for unrelated primary cancer treatment. Individuals with other bone diseases, such as Paget's disease and osteomyelitis, are at a higher risk for developing fibrosarcomas.

Diagnosis

In order to diagnose fibrosarcoma, a doctor will take the patient's medical history and will conduct a thorough physical exam. Blood tests will be performed to rule out other conditions and to identify cancer markers. The most revealing initial exam is an x ray. It can show the location, size, and shape of the tumor. If a malignant tumor is present, the x ray will expose a soft tissue mass with ill-defined edges. This procedure takes less than an hour and can be performed in the doctor's office. Once there is evidence of a tumor, one or more of several other procedures may be performed, including computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), angiograms, and biopsies.

Prognosis

It is hoped that the advent of Interferon-gamma1b therapy will improve the prognosis. Trials to assess the use of this treatment on morbidity and mortality are currently being conducted. A more favourable prognosis is also associated with female sex, younger age and shorter duration of symptoms. The development of pulmonary hypertension indicates a poor prognosis.

Treatment

The patient's primary care physician may perform the initial diagnostic tests. However, in order to comprehensively diagnose and treat fibrosarcomas, the primary care physician will refer the patient to an oncologist (cancer specialist). Radiologists, pathologists, and surgeons will also be involved to read x rays, examine tissue samples, and, if needed, remove the tumor. Other individuals might be involved with the treatment of fibrosarcoma, including nurses, dieticians, and physical or vocational therapists.