Synovial sarcoma

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Synovial sarcoma
High magnification micrograph of a monophasic synovial sarcoma
Synonyms	Malignant synovioma
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Swelling, pain, limited range of motion
Complications	Metastasis, recurrence
Onset	Typically between ages 15 and 40
Duration	Chronic
Types	Monophasic, biphasic, poorly differentiated
Causes	Genetic mutation
Risks	Genetic predisposition, radiation exposure
Diagnosis	Biopsy, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis	Fibrosarcoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, leiomyosarcoma
Prevention	None known
Treatment	Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy
Medication	Doxorubicin, ifosfamide
Prognosis	Variable, depends on stage and response to treatment
Frequency	Rare, approximately 1-3 per million per year
Deaths	Varies, dependent on stage and treatment

Synovial sarcoma is a rare form of cancer that typically arises near the joints of the arm, neck, or leg, but can occur in any part of the body. It is named for its resemblance to synovium, the tissue that lines the joints, although it does not actually arise from this tissue.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of synovial sarcoma is a painless swelling or mass that may be associated with muscle weakness or limitation of motion. Symptoms may be present for several years before a diagnosis is made. Other symptoms can include pain, which is a late event, or a change in size of the mass.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of synovial sarcoma begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-ray, MRI, or CT scan may be used to identify the location and size of the tumor. A biopsy is then performed to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy can be done through a needle inserted into the tumor or through a small incision.

Treatment

Treatment for synovial sarcoma typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The goal of treatment is to remove the tumor and any nearby cancer cells, to relieve symptoms, and to prevent the cancer from spreading 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 stage of the cancer, and the patient's overall health. In general, the survival rate for synovial sarcoma is lower than that for other types of soft tissue sarcoma.

See also

• Soft tissue sarcoma
• Cancer
• Oncology