Causes

Cancer occurs when cells multiply uncontrollably, forming growths called tumours. While the causes of most sarcomas are generally unknown, there are several risk factors.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase a person’s risk of soft tissue sarcoma include:

Radiotherapy

The risk is higher for people who had high doses of at a very young age. However, most people who have hadnradiotherapy in the past do not develop  sarcoma.

Inherited syndromes

A risk of soft tissue sarcoma can from your genes.

Syndromes that increase your risk include hereditary Retinoblastoma, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Neurofibromatosis, Tuberous sclerosis and Werner syndrome.

Chemical exposure

Exposure to certain chemicals, including vinyl chloride, dioxins and herbicides, has been associated with increased rates of soft tissue sarcomas.