Soft Tissue Tumours

What are Soft Tissue Tumours?

Soft tissue tumours are growths that can develop in various parts of the body, including the head and neck region. These tumours form in soft tissues like muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. At Hills Surgical Oncology, Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak, a leading head and neck surgeon in Sydney, specialises in diagnosing and treating soft tissue tumours. It's important to understand that not all soft tissue tumours are cancerous. In fact, many are benign (non-cancerous) and may not require extensive treatment. However, some can be malignant (cancerous) and need prompt, expert care.

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What are the different types of Soft Tissue Tumours?

Soft tissue tumours come in many forms. At Hills Surgical Oncology, located in Wahroonga and serving the Hills area and Norwest, we see a wide range of these tumours. Here are some common types:

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Benign Soft Tissue Tumours:

1. Lipomas: These are the most common benign soft tissue tumours, made up of fat cells.
2. Fibromas: These tumours develop from fibrous tissue.
3. Neurofibromas: These grow from nerve tissue.
4. Hemangiomas: These are made up of blood vessels.
5. Schwannomas: These develop from the cells that cover nerves.

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Malignant Soft Tissue Tumours (Soft Tissue Sarcomas):

1. Liposarcomas: These cancerous tumours develop from fat cells.
2. Fibrosarcomas: These arise from fibrous tissue.
3. Rhabdomyosarcomas: These develop in muscle tissue.
4. Angiosarcomas: These form in blood vessels.
5. Synovial sarcomas: These can occur near joints.

Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak, as an experienced surgical oncologist in Sydney, is skilled in identifying and treating these various types of soft tissue tumours.

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What causes Soft Tissue Tumours?

The exact causes of soft tissue tumours are not always clear. However, several factors may increase the risk of developing these tumours:

1. Genetic factors: Some inherited conditions, like neurofibromatosis, can increase the risk of certain soft tissue tumours.
2. Radiation exposure: Previous radiation therapy, especially for other cancers, can sometimes lead to soft tissue tumour development years later.
3. Chemical exposure: Long-term exposure to certain chemicals, such as herbicides or vinyl chloride, may increase the risk.
4. Chronic lymphedema: This condition, which causes swelling in the arms or legs, has been linked to a higher risk of certain soft tissue tumours.
5. Immune system disorders: People with weakened immune systems may be at higher risk.

It's important to note that many people who develop soft tissue tumours have no known risk factors. If you're concerned about your risk, Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak at Hills Surgical Oncology can provide personalised advice and screening recommendations.

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What are the symptoms of Soft Tissue Tumours?

Symptoms of soft tissue tumours can vary depending on the location and size of the tumour. In the head and neck region, common symptoms may include:

• A lump or swelling that may or may not be painful
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Changes in voice or hoarseness
• Persistent sore throat or earache
• Headaches or vision problems
• Numbness or tingling in the face
• Loose teeth or jaw pain

It's important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by many other, less serious conditions. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen over time, it's best to consult a specialist like Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak at Hills Surgical Oncology. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for patients with soft tissue tumours.

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How are Soft Tissue Tumours diagnosed?

Diagnosing soft tissue tumours often involves several steps and tests. At Hills Surgical Oncology, Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak uses a comprehensive approach to ensure accurate diagnosis:

1. Physical examination: The doctor will carefully examine the affected area, looking for any lumps or other abnormalities.
2. Imaging tests: These may include:
   • X-rays to check for bone involvement
   • Ultrasound to visualise soft tissue structures
   • CT (Computed Tomography) scans for detailed images of the affected area
   • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to get clear pictures of soft tissues
   • PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans to see if a tumour is cancerous and if it has spread
3. Biopsy: This is a crucial step in diagnosing soft tissue tumours. A small sample of tissue is taken from the suspected tumour and examined under a microscope. There are two main types of biopsies:
   • Needle biopsy: A thin needle is used to extract a small amount of tissue.
   • Surgical biopsy: A larger piece of tissue is removed surgically.
4. Molecular testing: Advanced tests may be done on the biopsy sample to look for specific genetic changes that can help guide treatment.

As a skilled head and neck surgeon in Sydney, Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak has extensive experience in performing and interpreting these diagnostic tests. His expertise ensures that patients at Hills Surgical Oncology receive accurate diagnoses, which is crucial for developing effective treatment plans.

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What are the treatment options for Soft Tissue Tumours?

Treatment for soft tissue tumours depends on several factors, including whether the tumour is benign or malignant, its size, location, and the patient's overall health. At Hills Surgical Oncology, Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak works closely with a team of specialists to provide comprehensive care. The main treatment options include:

Surgery

Surgery is often the primary treatment for soft tissue tumours, especially for benign tumours and localised malignant tumours. The goal is to remove the entire tumour along with a margin of healthy tissue around it. This helps ensure that all tumour cells are removed and reduces the risk of recurrence.As a highly skilled surgical oncologist in Sydney, Dr Abdul-Razak specialises in complex head and neck surgeries. He uses advanced techniques to remove tumours while preserving as much normal function and appearance as possible.The type of surgery will depend on the size and location of the tumour. It may involve:

• Wide local excision: Removing the tumour and a margin of healthy tissue
• Reconstructive surgery: Rebuilding affected areas using tissue from other parts of the body
• Lymph node dissection: Removing nearby lymph nodes if the cancer has spread

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill tumour cells. It may be used:

• Before surgery to shrink the tumour
• After surgery to kill any remaining tumour cells
• As a primary treatment if surgery isn't possible

At Hills Surgical Oncology, we work closely with radiation oncologists to ensure our patients receive the most appropriate and effective radiation treatments.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It's typically used for malignant soft tissue tumours (sarcomas) and may be used:

• Before surgery to shrink tumours
• After surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells
• To treat sarcomas that have spread to other parts of the body

The specific drugs and treatment schedule will depend on the type and stage of the tumour.

Targeted Therapy

Some newer drugs target specific abnormalities in cancer cells. These targeted therapies can be effective for certain types of soft tissue sarcomas and often have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy

This relatively new approach helps the body's immune system fight cancer cells. While not yet standard for all soft tissue tumours, immunotherapy shows promise for some types and is an area of ongoing research.Dr Abdul-Razak at Hills Surgical Oncology stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in soft tissue tumour treatment. He works closely with each patient to develop a personalised treatment plan that offers the best chance of success while considering the patient's overall health and preferences.

[Image suggestion: A flowchart or infographic showing the different treatment options and how they might be combined in a typical treatment plan.]

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What is the recovery process like after Soft Tissue Tumour surgery?

Recovery from soft tissue tumour treatment can vary greatly depending on the type of tumour, its location, and the treatment received. At Hills Surgical Oncology, we're committed to supporting our patients throughout their entire recovery journey.After surgery, the initial recovery period typically lasts a few weeks. During this time, patients may need to:

• Rest and limit physical activity
• Care for the surgical site as instructed
• Manage pain with prescribed medications
• Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing

For patients who've had extensive surgery in the head and neck area, rehabilitation may be necessary. This could include:

• Speech therapy to improve speaking and swallowing
• Physical therapy to regain strength and mobility
• Occupational therapy to help with daily activities

Patients who've had chemotherapy or radiation therapy may experience side effects that can last for several weeks or months after treatment ends. These may include fatigue, changes in appetite, and weakened immune system.Long-term follow-up care is crucial for soft tissue tumour patients, especially those with malignant tumours. Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak and the team at Hills Surgical Oncology provide ongoing monitoring to check for any signs of tumour recurrence and manage any lasting effects of treatment.

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Why choose Hills Surgical Oncology for Soft Tissue Tumour treatment?

When facing a soft tissue tumour diagnosis, choosing the right care team is crucial. Here's why patients in the Hills area, Wahroonga, Norwest, and throughout Sydney choose Hills Surgical Oncology:

1. Expertise: Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak is a highly skilled head and neck surgeon and surgical oncologist with extensive experience in treating complex soft tissue tumours.
2. Comprehensive care: We offer a multidisciplinary approach, coordinating with other specialists to provide complete care from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.
3. Advanced techniques: We use the latest surgical techniques and technologies to achieve the best possible outcomes while minimising side effects.
4. Personalised treatment: We understand that every patient is unique. Dr Abdul-Razak takes the time to develop individualised treatment plans that consider each patient's specific needs and preferences.
5. Supportive environment: Our team is committed to providing compassionate care in a supportive, patient-centred environment.
6. Convenient locations: With clinics in Wahroonga and the Hills area, we make it easy for patients to access high-quality care close to home.

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If you're concerned about a soft tissue tumour or have been diagnosed with this condition, don't hesitate to reach out to Hills Surgical Oncology. Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak and our team are here to provide the expert care and support you need throughout your treatment journey.

Remember, while a soft tissue tumour diagnosis can be worrying, many of these tumours are benign and can be successfully treated. Even for malignant tumours, with the right care team and treatment plan, many patients achieve successful outcomes. At Hills Surgical Oncology, we're dedicated to providing the highest quality care to help our patients overcome soft tissue tumours and return to their normal lives.