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Sarcoma

Synonym(s)

  • connective tissue sarcoma
  • malignant mesenchymal tumor
  • malignant neoplasm of soft tissue
  • malignant tumor of soft tissue

Definition(s)

Abnormal growth of the cells comprising the soft tissue, excluding metastatic tumors that arise in the soft tissue. This concept specifically refers to tumors with malignant characteristics.

Definition from: NCI Thesaurus via Unified Medical Language SystemThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. at the National Library of Medicine

A usually aggressive malignant mesenchymal cell tumor most commonly arising from muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, bone, cartilage, and blood vessels. Sarcomas occur in both children and adults. The prognosis depends largely on the degree of differentiation (grade) of the tumor. Representative subtypes are liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and chondrosarcoma. -- 2004

Definition from: NCI Thesaurus via Unified Medical Language SystemThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. at the National Library of Medicine

A cancer of the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue.

Definition from: Physician Data Query via Unified Medical Language SystemThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. at the National Library of Medicine

See also Understanding Medical Terminology.

 
Published: February 18, 2013