Finally, news about Rachel . . .

We finally got the results from the biopsy and have been told that Rachel has Synovial Cell Sarcoma. From what I understand, it is a form of cancer that is found in tumors in the soft tissue. I have included some information below to answer all of your questions. I still don't know anything specific about how we are going to move forward with this. Her results are being forwarded to MD Anderson cancer center and they will contact us after they assign someone to her case. I am feeling very overwhelmed and shocked! I feel like the wind has been knocked out of me. I really wasn't expecting this. I want to thank you for all of your phone calls, prayers and support. Please continue to keep Rachel in your thoughts.


General Info:
Synovial Cell Sarcoma (synovioma): This is an unusual tumor that occurs in the soft tissue, but the exact tissue is not known. These tumors are usually found in the feet, knees, thighs and hands. When this type of cancer spreads, it will usually go to the lungs, bones and lymph nodes. These tumors are more common in males than in females.

What are some of the signs and symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma?
The signs and symptoms of these tumors may vary depending on the location of the tumor and the specific type of tumor. There may be pain and swelling around the affected tissue. If the tumor is located in a muscle or synovial tissue, the child may experience limited and painful movement of an extremity or joint. Sometimes the symptoms may be vague and go undetected for extended periods of time.

What causes soft tissue sarcomas?
There is no known cause for these types of tumors. There is no evidence that recent injury to the affected area is the cause of this disease. It is also known that this disease is not contagious.

Who gets soft tissue sarcomas?
These malignant tumors may occur in both adults and children. These tumors are rare in infants and young children. Soft tissue sarcomas account for approximately three percent of the childhood cancers diagnosed yearly. Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma diagnosed in children.

Are soft tissue sarcomas inherited?
There is no evidence that these tumors are inherited.

What are metastases?
Metastases refers to the spread of cancer from its original location to other parts of the body. These types of tumors tend to metastasize to the lungs.

What is staging?
Staging is the process of determining the extent of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Staging is necessary to assist the physician in choosing the most appropriate treatment plan for the child. The staging systems may vary depending on the known patterns of metastasis of the sarcoma.

How can soft tissue sarcomas be treated?
There are three methods of treatment used for soft tissue sarcomas: chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Treatment may vary according to the type of sarcoma, the age of the child at diagnosis, location of the tumor and stage of the disease. Frequently more than one treatment method is used to treat these types of malignant tumors.

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy not only destroys cancer cells but also affects the growth of normal cells and therefore has side effects which will be explained to you.

Surgery involves the complete or partial removal of the tumor. Some normal tissue may also be removed and lymph node sampling performed as part of the staging process.

Radiation therapy is the use of high-powered X-rays to kill cancer cells. The treatment is given in precisely measured amounts by doctors and technicians who are experts in this field.

How long will my child's treatment last?
Treatment will depend upon the specific type of soft tissue sarcoma and the extent of the tumor. At the Aflac Cancer and Bleeding Disorders Service, parents are always included in the decision-making process when the healthcare team develops a treatment plan.

The above information is a brief overview of what you need to know initially about soft tissue sarcoma in children. The nurses and doctors can answer your questions and help you find more information.