Spindle Cell Sarcoma

Also known as: spindle cell sarcoma of the bone

What are spindle cell sarcomas?

A spindle cell sarcoma is a form of soft tissue cancer that most commonly affects the bones. It gets its name due to the candlestick-like spindles that the cancer cells form as they grow.

What causes spindle cell sarcomas?

Like most forms of cancer, spindle cell sarcomas develop due to changes in a cell’s DNA. With this type of cancer, it appears that the mutations are inherited and passed down through families. Certain existing medical conditions or previous radiation therapy can put you at a greater risk of developing spindle cell sarcomas.

What are the symptoms of spindle cell sarcomas?

Possible symptoms of spindle cell sarcomas include bone tenderness or pain, difficulty moving the affected bone or joint, broken bones, fatigue and malaise.

How can spindle cell sarcomas affect children?

Soft-tissue sarcomas like spindle cell sarcomas are rare in children but can occur. They typically present similarly to sarcomas in adults and can be treated similarly.

What are spindle cell sarcoma treatments?

Treatment for spindle cell sarcomas typically involves removal of the tumor while trying to preserve as much remaining bone as possible. Additional treatments may be required to add bone tissue or prosthetics once the tumor removal is complete. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may also be used to kill any remaining cancer cells after the surgery.

Reviewed by: Maggie Fader, MD

This page was last updated on: November 02, 2023 02:56 PM