Synovial cancer

Synovial sarcoma is a rare form of cancer that typically arises near the joints of the arm, neck, or leg. It is a type of soft tissue sarcoma that often occurs in young adults. Despite its name, it does not arise from synovial cells, which are the cells lining the synovial joint.

Etiology

The exact cause of synovial sarcoma is unknown. However, most cases are associated with a specific chromosomal translocation (t(X;18)(p11;q11)) that results in the fusion of the SYT gene on chromosome 18 with one of several genes on the X chromosome.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of synovial sarcoma is a lump or swelling in soft tissue of the body. This can be associated with pain if the tumor is pressing against nerves or muscles.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of synovial sarcoma can be challenging because its symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. It is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical imaging, such as MRI or CT scan, and biopsy of the tumor tissue. The diagnosis is confirmed by histopathology and molecular genetics techniques that can identify the characteristic chromosomal translocation.

Treatment

Treatment for synovial sarcoma typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor, the patient's overall health, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Prognosis

The prognosis for synovial sarcoma varies depending on a number of factors, including the size and location of the tumor, the patient's overall health, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. In general, the survival rate for synovial sarcoma is lower than that for some other types of soft tissue sarcoma.

See also

• Soft tissue sarcoma
• Cancer
• Chromosomal translocation
• SYT gene