Synovial sarcoma is a rare type of cancer. It affects different types of soft tissues in the body; hence, it can appear in any part of the body. However, synovial sarcoma usually appears in the arms, legs, knees, hips, shoulders, or ankles. It grows slowly, and it has been found that this cancer affects around 1,000 people every year. Also, it is generally seen in males below thirty. Synovial sarcoma is also known as malignant synovioma.

Synovial sarcoma – An overview
Synovial sarcoma affects the soft tissues surrounding the joints, like ligaments and muscles. It can also affect soft tissues in the lungs and abdomen. This condition generally progresses slowly, without pain. That is why it isn’t easy to notice the signs and effects in the affected individuals.

Symptoms
Let us shed light on a few symptoms and signs of synovial sarcoma. It has been found that this condition does not show any indication of its existence during the early stages. As the main tumor develops and grows, the signs become prominent, and they are similar to those of arthritis or bursitis. They include the following:

• Painless lump that may appear on the ankle, shoulder, knee, and hip
• Swelling that appears on the ankle, shoulder, knee, and hip
• Sudden, sharp pain in the ankle, shoulder, hip, and knee when a tumor presses against a nerve
• Numbness
• Reduced motion of the leg or arm

The individual may also have a visible lump and feel it. Sometimes, the mass in the neck also affects breathing and changes the voice. If it happens in the lungs, it may lead to shortness of breath. Also, the primary site of origin is the thigh, near the knee. This condition is most commonly found in young adults and teens.

Causes
The exact cause of synovial sarcoma is not clear. However, it has been found that there is a genetic connection. Ninety percent of the cases of this rare condition include chromosomal abnormalities. In this case, chromosomes X and 18 swap segments. But the factors responsible for this change are still unknown. It is considered a somatic mutation and not a germline mutation. The following are the potential risk factors for synovial sarcoma to occur:

• Radiation exposure
• Chemical carcinogen exposure
• Having specific inherited conditions like neurofibromatosis type 1 and Li-Fraumeni syndrome

Diagnosis
Healthcare providers diagnose synovial sarcoma by conducting several tests. Various imaging methods and other procedures are used, which are as follows:

• X-Ray: This test takes pictures of soft tissues and bones.
• Ultrasound: Here, real-time pictures of the internal organs and other tissues can be seen on a monitor.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This test is painless, and it uses a large magnet, computer, and radio waves to produce clear and concise images of the body’s organs and structures.
• Computer Tomography (CT) scan: The three-dimensional images of the bones and soft tissues are taken with the help of a CT scan.
• Biopsy: The healthcare provider may also perform a biopsy, wherein the tissues are examined.

Treatment
The healthcare provider decides on a particular treatment plan after carefully considering various factors like the age of the individual, general health, the location and size of the main tumor, and whether the cancer has spread.

Thus, depending on these factors, the treatment can include the following:

• Chemotherapy: The healthcare provider will use various types of strong chemical substances to get rid of the cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: Here, powerful beams of energy are used to kill cancer cells and prevent them from growing.
• Immunotherapy: It is also known as biological therapy. In this treatment method, the patient’s immune system is stimulated to produce cancer-fighting cells.
• Targeted therapy: Here, the proteins that promote the development, multiplication, and spread of cancer cells are blocked.

Any treatment can have side effects. So, it is best to talk and consult with the healthcare provider to know what to expect from a particular therapy and how it may be helpful. Moreover, since it is caused by chromosome changes, there are unfortunately no ways to prevent it. Always be aware of the body changes and contact the healthcare provider.

Synovial sarcoma is a rare type of condition. Any form of cancer diagnosis always leads to waves of emotion. And it is more painful and difficult if it is a rare form. It’s always best to contact a healthcare provider when the signs and symptoms prevail. Follow their advice and recommendations. The objective of this post is to provide information only and should not be taken as an alternative to a physician’s advice.