Tumors of soft tissue

Soft Tissue Tumors - Benign

Tumors of soft tissue are more common than bone tumors. They can occur almost anywhere: within and between muscles, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels.

These tumors vary widely in how they look and behave. Some can be quite aggressive. The more the tumor has invaded nearby tissues, the harder it is to completely remove. This, in turn, increases the chances that the tumor will come back.

Signs of a benign soft tissue tumor vary widely. If they are close to the surface of the body, they may appear as a lump. Some cause pain; others don't. They vary widely in how they look as well. If you have pain or if the tumor grows, you should see a doctor.

Common benign soft tissue tumors include:

  • Lipomas, benign tumors composed of fatty tissue
  • Angiolipoma
  • Benign fibrous histiocytoma
  • Neurofibroma
  • Schwannomas
  • Neurolilemmona
  • Hemangiomas, noncancerous tumors that are formed by a mass of blood cells. The tumor rarely become malignant, and can be successfully excised. They often result from trauma to the affected part.
  • Giant cell tumors of tendon sheath, and
  • Myxoma

Some conditions, like nodular fasciitis and pigmented villonodular synovitis, are not tumors, but may need similar treatment.




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  • Lung cancer - strongly linked to smoking
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Causes and Risk Factors 

A few of these tumors may be related to a genetic condition.




A biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of tissue is taken to be examined under a microscope. This examination helps determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant.


Most soft tissue tumors, fortunately, are made of fat (lipomas). They often occur just beneath the skin as a soft, painless mass, which grows slowly over months or years.

These tumors aren't dangerous to the patient. Often they don't need more than watching. If necessary, they can be removed with surgery.

Depending on the type of tumor you have, your doctor may or may not recommend surgery. Tumors are removed surgically with the goal of minimizing risk to surrounding normal blood vessels, nerves, muscle or bone.

Benign tumors of soft tissue are more common than benign tumors of bone. They can occur at almost any site, both within and between muscles, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. These tumors vary widely in appearance and behavior. Some tumors can be quite aggressive. Invasion of nearby tissues increases the chance of an incomplete excision and the possibility that the tumor will come back. Your surgeon may use specialized techniques and even radiation therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Among the most common tumors which can be classified as benign soft tissue tumors are lipoma, angiolipoma, fibroma, benign fibrous histiocytoma, neurofibroma, schwannoma, neurilemmona, hemangioma, giant cell tumor of tendon sheath, and myxoma. Some conditions, like nodular fasciitis, are not tumors, but may require similar treatment. A small number of these tumors may be related to an underlying inherited condition.


In settings where the tumor is not a benign lipoma, the strategy of "shelling out the tumor" can spread a tumor, which might otherwise be easily treated by a more careful surgical procedure. Malignant tumors that are discovered unexpectedly can often be spread in this way.

Therefore, if the lump does not feel like a lipoma, if it is seen to grow, or causes pain, it should be assessed carefully and thoughtfully. Often the use of MRI scans can assist in determining both the location and the internal characteristics of the tumor.

A soft tissue mass, which does not have the appearance of a lipoma on MRI, needs to be approached more cautiously. Often, a minimally invasive biopsy is desirable, prior to commitment to any larger surgical procedure. The vast majority of benign soft tissue tumors can be treated with a single clean surgical procedure and minimal risk to surrounding normal blood vessels, nerves, muscle or bone. This provides the patient with the greatest possible functional recovery and the least chance of local recurrence of the tumor. In general, the orthopaedic surgeon should consider a biopsy before proceeding with an excision of a tumor. Only on rare occasions should the orthopaedic surgeon consider resection without a biopsy.

What are the symptoms?

Benign soft tissue tumors may or may not cause pain and vary widely in appearance. If the tumor grows or causes pain, it should be assessed by a doctor.

What are my treatment options?


What are the risks of surgery?

Risks include nerve injury, infection, bleeding, and stiffness.

How do I prepare for surgery?

  • Arrange to have someone drive you home from the hospital.

Are there exercises I can start now prior to surgery?

Patients with lower extremity procedures most likely will require crutches. Physical therapy, including crutch instruction, is easier to accomplish before the surgery.

What do I need to do the day of surgery?

  • Leave valuables and money at home.
  • Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.

What happens after surgery?

A post-operative instruction sheet will be provided.

How long is the recovery period after surgery?

The recovery period depends upon the bone lesion and location. Wound healing takes about two weeks. If bone healing is necessary, the physician may require patients to protect the extremity for six weeks from major forces such as full weight-bearing.

What is the rehab after surgery?

Depending on the procedure, physical therapy for crutch use, range-of-motion and strengthening may be required.

How can I manage at home during recovery from the procedure?

Instructions from the physician will be provided. These will vary according to the procedure.



Skand Kumar,
20 Sep 2014, 22:01