What is Clear Cell Sarcoma?
Clear cell sarcoma is a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma. It usually develops in soft tissues and under the first layer of skin. In rare cases, it develops in the abdominal cavity. Its usual developmental sites are arms, legs, feet, and hands. However, it can also develop in the chest, abdomen, genitals, and head. It tends to recurrence.What is A Sarcoma?
This is a type of cancer that arises from transformed connective tissue cells. Connective tissues are the types of tissues that form bones, cartilage, fat, vascular, and lymphatic tissues.Disease Epidemiology
Clear cell sarcoma is a rare type of sarcoma and only accounts for 1% of sarcomas. It usually develops in adolescents and young adults, with a peak incidence at the age of 25.Disease Etiology
There is no well-known cause; however, certain genetic mutations (changes in genes) are responsible for the development of clear cell sarcoma.Signs and symptoms
The patient may present with the following signs and symptoms. These are- Slow growing hard mass or lump
- Pain in the lump or pain on touching the affected area
- Common sites for the development of clear cell sarcoma are knee, feet, and ankle
- It commonly develops in people between the ages of 20-40
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic techniques and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis. These are- Imaging studies such as X-ray, CT-scan, and MRI to detect the site, size, and extent of the metastasis (spread of the tumor)
- CT chest, the scan of bones, and PET-Scan to assess the areas and spread of the tumor
- Tumor biopsy