Childhood Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Childhood soft tissue sarcoma is a disease in which malignant cells form in the soft tissues of the body. The soft tissues of the body include the muscles, tendons, fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves, and tissues around joints. There are many types of soft tissue sarcoma. The cells of each type of sarcoma look different under a microscope, based on the type of soft tissue in which the cancer began.

Pediatric soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) account for 3 percent of all childhood tumors, according to the National Cancer Institute. Rhabdomyosarcoma, a tumor of striated muscle, is the most common STS in children up to age 14 and accounts for 50 percent of tumors in this age group.

Childhood Soft Tissue Sarcoma Treatment (PDQ®)

Source: National Cancer Institute