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Soft tissue tumours are growths that arise in the body’s connective tissues such as fat, muscle, nerves, and blood vessels. These tumours are broadly classified as benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous, also known as sarcomas).
Benign tumours, such as lipomas, fibromas, and neurofibromas, are much more common. They usually grow slowly, do not invade nearby tissues, and do not spread to other parts of the body. In contrast, soft tissue sarcomasm are rare (less than 1%) but more serious, with potential to grow rapidly, invade nearby structures, and spread to distant organs.
Benign soft tissue tumours are often painless and may be discovered incidentally. They can appear as lumps under the skin or in deeper tissues. If they grow large, they may cause pressure symptoms such as discomfort or restricted movement.
Diagnosis involves a physical examination and imaging, usually an ultrasound or MRI, to assess the size, location, and nature of the tumour. A biopsy may be performed to confirm the tumour type and guide treatment, especially if malignancy is suspected.
Most benign soft tissue tumours can be safely removed through a minor surgical procedure. These procedures are typically performed under local anaesthetic in a day surgery setting. Recovery is usually quick, with minimal downtime.
Surgical removal is often recommended if the lump is growing, causing symptoms, located in a sensitive area, or for cosmetic reasons. In many cases, removal is curative and recurrence is rare.
Sarcomas are treated through a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and sometimes chemotherapy. The primary treatment is surgical removal with a wide margin of healthy tissue to reduce the risk of recurrence. Complex cases are reviewed in a multidisciplinary team (MDT) setting to coordinate care.
Postoperative recovery from benign tumour removal is generally straightforward. Patients may experience mild soreness or swelling, which resolves within a few days. Stitches are usually dissolvable or removed in about one week. Most people return to normal activities within a few days of surgery.
Follow-up after surgery includes a wound check and pathology review to confirm the tumour was benign. If required, imaging or further review will be arranged. Most patients do not require long-term follow-up after complete removal of a benign lesion.
You should contact your surgeon if you notice rapid growth of a lump, increasing pain, skin changes, signs of infection or poor wound healing after surgery. Although rare, further investigation may be required if the tumour recurs or has unusual features.
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