Malignant Soft Tissue Tumors in the Hip: Prognosis and Survival Rates

Connective tissue tumor of the left hip?

Hello Doctor, my grandmother is 74 years old.
In May of this year, she experienced abnormal swelling in her hip, and after examination, it was found to be a malignant tumor in the connective tissue of her left hip.
She underwent a second surgery in July, and the surgeon mentioned that the tumor was removed very cleanly.
However, to our surprise, it recurred within just two months (possibly because my grandmother did not undergo radiation therapy).
In early September, she had three surgeries, and the results diagnosed (1) cancer metastasis to the lungs and (2) cancer invasion into the sciatic nerve and pelvic cavity, with the cancer being classified as stage three or four.
There is a possibility of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
I would like to ask the doctor: (1) It is said that this type of disease is rare; what is the survival rate for this type of disease? (2) How much time does my grandmother approximately have left? Thank you.

Yu Xiaoyu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/09/04

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

Yu Xiaoyu / 16 / 1 If, as you said, it has spread to the lungs, then it is already stage IV.
(1) It is said that this type of disease is rare; may I ask what the survival rate for this disease is? The 5-year survival rate = 0.
(2) How much time does my grandmother approximately have left? This depends on the rate of disease progression, her physical condition, and whether she receives chemotherapy.
However, even comparing treatment versus no treatment, it may only extend her life by a few weeks to a few months.
Thank you for your letter.
Taoyuan Hospital, Dr.
Chen Sirong.

Reply Date: 2015/09/04

More Info

I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother's condition. Malignant soft tissue tumors, particularly those located in the hip region, can be quite complex and challenging to manage, especially when they have metastasized to other parts of the body, such as the lungs and surrounding structures.
1. Survival Rates for Malignant Soft Tissue Tumors: The survival rates for malignant soft tissue tumors can vary significantly based on several factors, including the specific type of tumor, its location, size, grade (how aggressive it is), and the presence of metastasis. Generally, soft tissue sarcomas are categorized into different stages, with Stage IV being the most advanced, indicating that the cancer has spread to distant sites. For Stage IV soft tissue sarcomas, the five-year survival rate is often less than 20%. However, it's important to note that these statistics are averages and can vary widely among individuals. Factors such as the patient's overall health, response to treatment, and specific tumor characteristics can influence outcomes.
2. Prognosis and Life Expectancy: Estimating how much time your grandmother may have left is challenging and depends on various factors, including her overall health, the aggressiveness of the cancer, and how well she responds to treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In cases where the cancer has metastasized and is classified as Stage IV, the prognosis is generally poor, and life expectancy may range from a few months to a year or more, depending on the effectiveness of the treatment and the individual's health status.
It's crucial to have open discussions with her healthcare team, as they can provide more personalized insights based on her specific situation. They can also help you understand the potential benefits and side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which may be recommended to manage symptoms and possibly extend her life.

In addition to medical treatment, palliative care should also be considered. This approach focuses on providing relief from symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. It can be beneficial at any stage of cancer and can be provided alongside curative treatments.

Lastly, it’s essential to support your grandmother emotionally and physically during this challenging time. Engaging in conversations about her wishes, preferences for treatment, and end-of-life care can be invaluable. It’s a difficult journey, but having a supportive family can make a significant difference in her experience.
Please ensure that you continue to communicate with her medical team for the most accurate and relevant information regarding her condition and treatment options.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Bone Tumors in the Knee: Biopsy, Surgery, and Recurrence Risks

Can the biopsy determine whether a tumor is benign or malignant? How is a biopsy performed? Since the tumor is located in the bone, is surgery still necessary? I read online about articles related to bone tumors in the knee, and there seems to be a method that uses some kind of i...

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
Hello, because the surgical methods and extent differ between benign and malignant tumors, if a biopsy is not performed first, there is a risk of misidentifying a malignant tumor as benign. Insufficient surgical margins may lead to poorer healing outcomes. Conversely, misidentify...

Understanding Malignant Fibrous Tumors: Key Insights and Information

Malignant fibrous tumor, also known as malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), is a type of soft tissue sarcoma that typically arises in the extremities or retroperitoneum. It is characterized by the presence of pleomorphic spindle-shaped cells and can exhibit a variety of histolog...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a fibroma is a tumor composed of fibrous tissue and is classified as a spindle cell tumor. It can occur in any organ, but it is most commonly found in the soft tissues of the retroperitoneum. Histologically, if there is cellular diversity, increased mitotic activity, and p...

Understanding Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Recurrence, Recovery, and Post-Surgery Care

What is a soft tissue sarcoma? Is there a chance of recurrence after resection? What is the likelihood of recovery after resection for stage I? How should one take care of themselves post-surgery? Thank you.

Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
Mr. Chen, I apologize for not being able to understand the content of your message. Is the term "soft tissue sarcoma" translated from "liposarcoma"? Where is the tumor located? What is the size of the tumor? Is there any local lymph node metastasis? These fact...

Understanding Synovial Sarcoma: A Rare and Challenging Tumor

Hello, doctor. My brother was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his kidney two months ago, measuring 5.4 x 4 cm. It was suspected to be renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but after surgery, the pathology results indicated it was Ewing sarcoma. A comprehensive examination suggested it ...

Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Your brother has been diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, which is a rare type of cancer. Currently, I do not have experience in treating this disease. The primary treatment for this condition is surgery. If the tumor is not completely resected or if the cells are of high-grade mali...