This article will review the symptoms of fibrosarcoma and when to see a doctor.
Frequent Symptoms
Because fibrosarcomas are usually located deep within soft tissue, they can go undetected for a long period of time. Symptoms often don’t present until the tumor begins to compress nearby tissue or organs. Fibrosarcomas can affect all organ systems in various ways.
Symptoms differ based on the age, type, and location of the tumor. Additionally, they may evolve based on the extent to which tumors invade local tissue or metastasize (spread to distant body sites).
Fibrosarcoma symptoms may look different in adults and children. In both, a palpable, painless lump may be the first sign that appears, however childhood fibrosarcoma symptoms may include:
A painless or tender mass in an extremity (arm or leg) or the torsoPain or soreness caused by a pinched nerve or compressed musclesLimping or other difficulty using legs, feet, arms, or hands, especially in older children
Adult fibrosarcoma symptoms generally include:
Swelling in various parts of the body (may be with or without pain), especially the limbsCoughDark stoolVomiting bloodIrregular bleeding from the vaginaPain in the abdomen
Rare Symptoms
Fibrosarcomas represent between 2% to 4% of primary bone tumors. They usually occur in deep tissues adjacent to bone, but on occasion, they develop in the medullary, or interior portion, of the bones.
The distal femur—the area of the thigh bone just above the knee—is the most common site of fibrosarcoma of the bone. This type of fibrosarcoma can cause osteolytic or bone-destroying lesions that result in pain, swelling, and numbness, along with tingling in the arms and legs.
Pain at the fibrosarcoma site without the presence of a lump is also common.
Who Is Most Affected by Fibrosarcoma?
Fibrosarcomas occur equally in men and women. There are few, if any, reported differences in the propagation of symptoms based on gender. Adult cases have been reported from the second to the seventh decades of life, although the majority of cases occur from ages 40 to 60.
The tissues affected in childhood fibrosarcoma can differ from those in adult cases. Therefore, the two carry different symptoms, but symptoms are consistent and similar in both when the same organs or bones are affected.
When to See a Healthcare Provider/Go to the Hospital
A unexplained lump or mass is usually the first sign of fibrosarcoma. New pain or swelling at the site where fibrosarcoma is suspected is the most common symptom that the cancer is growing.
If you experience worsening symptoms or new pain, seek immediate medical attention.
Summary
Fibrosarcoma is a very rare type of cancer that causes excess collagen to be produced where it should not be. Symptoms of this cancer often don’t appear until the cancer is suppressing nearby organs or tissues. Symptoms may include a lump or mass in soft tissue or swelling through the body, especially in the arms and legs.
A Word From Verywell
Dealing with symptoms of fibrosarcoma is not easy. Even more, coping with the possibility of having this type of cancer can be difficult and very stressful.
Getting ahead of your symptoms by figuring out the best and safest ways to relieve your pain and discussing how you feel with a trusted healthcare provider and loved ones may be helpful.
If you feel new or recurrent pain, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They may be able to provide you with timely pain management and early treatment to help you feel better.
