Soft Tissue Tumors and Masses
As patients grow older, many people notice enlarging areas of tissue under the skin. These are often a result of soft tissue tumors.
Definition of Soft Tissue Tumors
These masses are defined as abnormal growths of cells, benign or malignant within the muscle or fatty tissue of the body.
Anatomy of Soft Tissue Tumors
One of the most common soft tissue tumors is a lipoma. This is a benign lesion made up of adipose cells. The type of cells made up by the tumor and their malignant potential determine the impact on surrounding anatomy.
Causes of Soft Tissue Tumors
These tumors develop due to a mutation in the cellular signaling that typically controls cell growth. If the DNA mutates, the cells are no longer subject to the regulatory signals that tell cells when to grow and when to stop replicating. Cells can grow out of control, leading to the development of a tumor.
Symptoms of Soft Tissue Tumors
The symptoms will vary depending on the size, location, type of tumor, and whether or not the tumor is benign or malignant. Some of the possible symptoms include:
- Pain in the location of the tumor
- Damage to other organs in the vicinity if the tumor presses on invades these structures
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Fever
Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Tumors
The physician will perform a careful history to track the development of the symptoms above and perform a physical exam to look for signs of tumor growth. For some benign appearing tumors such as lipomas, imaging is rarely needed.For tumors of unknown etiology with a possible malignant potential, MRI or CT scan is used for operative planning and to look for metastasis. Potentially, a patient may benefit from a biopsy prior to definitive management to establish a diagnosis.
Prevention of Soft Tissue Tumors
Patients can lessen their risk of developing a tumor by staying away from substances such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
Am I At Risk of Developing Soft Tissue Tumors?
Patients with a family history of cancer of other genetic mutations are at risk for developing cancer in the future.
Treatment of Soft Tissue Tumors
The treatment of a tumor depends on its malignant potential as well as type and location. Many benign tumors are easily treated with simple excision. Some tumors that are malignant may require both medical and surgical therapy.Your surgeon and medical team will help tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs.
To learn more about treatment procedures for this condition please visit the following: Procedures We Do
Having soft tissue tumors is a serious and sensitive situation that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. Soft tissue tumors can cause great pain and have serious consequences which deserves the attention of a compassionate general surgeon. Excellent surgeons like Dr. Jenna Kazil spend years training and treating soft tissue tumors. Patients in need of removal of lipomas or other masses throughout the body on Florida’s West Coast should locate a good general surgeon who has the surgical skills necessary to perform these serious surgical operations for the benefit of their patients. Dr. J. Kazil is a phenomenal general surgeon who has developed an impressive track record of successful of removal of lipomas or other masses throughout the body cases. Dr. Kazil understands the important circumstances that drive the treatment with the accuracy and compassion that everyone expects from an accomplished general surgeon. Jenna Kazil, MD, FACS, RPVI is the best surgical specialist working as a vascular and general surgeon seeing patients from South Sarasota to East Desoto and Hardee to North Hillsborough to West Manatee and Pinellas counties. Patients requiring removal of lipomas or other masses throughout the body should contact Dr. Kazil at the Florida Surgical Clinic located in Bradenton, FL today to schedule an appointment with a unique experienced doctor that possesses a unique blend of compassionate care and expert skills.
