Fibrosarcoma is a malignant tumor found in soft tissue and bone, with two common forms: infantile and adult. Symptoms include pain and a lump, and treatment involves surgery, with bone salvage surgery preferred. Dogs and cats can also get fibrosarcomas, often near injection sites, with treatment options including amputation, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
A fibrosarcoma is a malignant tumor found in both soft tissue, such as joints or muscle tendons, and bone. It usually begins in the fibrous tissue surrounding the ends of the bones in the arms or legs before spreading to other soft tissues in the body.
Scientists and doctors distinguish two common forms of the condition; infantile fibrosarcoma and adult fibrosarcoma. Very young children, usually under one year of age, are typically diagnosed with infantile fibrosarcoma. In these cases the tumor is typically found soon after birth. Childhood fibrosarcomas are rarely life-threatening and can be treated with surgery to remove the tumor. Sometimes chemotherapy and other treatments are used in conjunction with surgical procedures on older children who are diagnosed with the condition. Fibrosarcoma in adults is much more serious. Five-year survival rates for advanced cases are less than 30%. If caught early, survival rates range from 50% to 80%.
The symptoms of a fibrosarcoma can seem relatively harmless. Typically, the only early symptom is a slight pain in the affected area. As the disease progresses, a noticeable lump or mass will become apparent. This is usually painless or at best mildly tender. Once diagnosed, treatment for fibrosarcoma can vary depending on the severity of the tumor. Surgery to remove the tumor is usually the first option. In the past, this usually meant complete removal of the affected bone. Today, bone salvage surgery is performed whenever possible, sparing what is needed during the removal of the fibrosarcoma cell. Surrounding tissue and bone that appear healthy are often removed as a preventative measure. If lifesaving surgery doesn’t work, full amputation may be required. Common cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation are often ineffective against fibrosarcoma cancer.
In addition to being a human disease, dogs and cats can also get fibrosarcomas. In these animals, tumors are often found near injection sites where tissue has been damaged or in the paw pads. Oral fibrosarcomas are also common for both animals. Treatment for dogs and cats is the same as for humans, although a complete amputation is usually done to reduce the likelihood of the tumor reappearing later. However, when it comes to facial or oral fibrosarcomas, only chemotherapy and radiation therapy are options. While these treatments are more successful in these animals than in humans, the process is usually very painful for the animal and costly for its owner.
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