Pediatric Soft Tissue Tumors
You can rely on UM Children’s Hospital for supportive care and treatment when your child is facing a soft tissue tumor diagnosis.
Choose UM Children's to Treat Soft Tissue Tumors
The pediatric cancer team at UM Children's Hospital will walk you through all the steps of your child's treatment plan and address any questions or concerns. We offer comprehensive support services, including social workers, child life specialists, psychologists, support groups and counseling to help your child and family cope throughout the treatment process.
To discuss your child's soft tissue tumor diagnosis or related concerns, call 410-328-2808 for an appointment.
What Are Pediatric Soft Tissue Tumors?
Pediatric soft tissue tumors occur when cancer cells form in the body’s soft tissues, like fat, cartilage or tendons.
Having certain conditions can increase the risk of developing soft tissue tumors. These include certain inherited disorders and previous radiation therapy.
Types of Pediatric Soft Tissue Tumors
Soft tissue tumors can develop in many areas of the body:
- Fat tissue
- Bone and cartilage
- Connective tissue
- Muscle
- Nerve sheath
- Blood vessels
In children, most soft tissue tumors form in the arms, legs, chest or abdomen.
Signs and Symptoms of Soft Tissue Tumors in Kids
Symptoms of a pediatric soft tissue tumor vary depending on the child and the size of the tumor. Common signs include a lump or mass in the body, pain, swelling, numbness or tingling, weakness and trouble breathing.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, please consult your pediatrician.
Diagnosing Pediatric Soft Tissue Tumors
Diagnosing a pediatric soft tissue tumors typically involves a series of tests:
- Physical examination – Your child's doctor will examine your child for signs of tumors and related issues.
- Imaging tests – Possible tests to run include ultrasound, CT scan, bone scan or MRI to get a closer look at tissue and surrounding organs.
- Blood and urine tests – These tests can help determine the overall health of your child and sometimes provide clues about the type of tumor.
- Biopsy – A small sample of tissue from the tumor may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
How to Treat Pediatric Soft Tissue Tumors
The good news is that pediatric soft tissue tumors are highly treatable. The specific treatment plan will depend on the type and stage of the tumor, as well as your child's age and overall health.
Common treatment options include:
- Surgery – This is commonly performed for pediatric soft tissue tumors. The goal is to remove the entire tumor, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
- Chemotherapy – This treatment uses powerful medications to destroy cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy – Radiation is when high-energy X-rays target and kill cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy – Newer drugs are used with chemotherapy to treat tumors.
