What is Malignant Fibrous Histiosarcoma?
Malignant Fibrous Histiosarcoma is a rare type of soft tissue cancer caused by uncontrolled cell division in the mesenchyme. It predominantly develops in males older than 60 years of age. It commonly affects the arms and legs but can develop anywhere in the body.
Disease Causes
Malignant Fibrous Histiosarcoma can develop and grow due to gene changes, such as mutations, deletions, and gene activity.
Signs and Symptoms
The patient may suffer from the following signs and symptoms.
- Pain in the affected arm or leg
- Swelling over the bone or the affected joint
- An unusual mass or lump at the affected site of the body
- Fragile bones that can break easily
- Difficulty in walking or writing
In rare advanced metastatic cases, the patient may also suffer from B symptoms.
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic tests and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis.
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH)
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
- Liver function test (LFT’s)
- Renal function test (RFT’s)
All the above-mentioned laboratory studies are necessary before initiating chemotherapy.
- Imaging diagnostic techniques such as X-Ray, CT-scan, and PET-scan can be used to detect the site, size, and extent of the tumour.
- Tumour biopsy
Treatment
Surgical removal of the tumour or affected part, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are the main treatment options.
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