monophasic synovial sarcoma

Monophasic Synovial Sarcoma: A Rare and Aggressive Cancer

Monophasic synovial sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that affects the soft tissues, particularly in the arms, legs, and feet. It is characterized by its unique microscopic appearance, which is distinct from other types of soft tissue sarcomas.

Key Features:

• Histologic Appearance: Monophasic synovial sarcoma is composed of fascicles of bland spindle cells with sparse cytoplasm and relatively uniform, ovoid hyperchromatic nuclei and inconspicuous nucleoli [1].
• Stroma: The stroma contains strands of wiry collagen, which is a distinctive feature of this type of cancer [1].
• Mitoses: Mitoses are sparse, with an average of 2 mitoses per 10 high power fields [1].

Demographics and Clinical Presentation:

• Age: Monophasic synovial sarcoma typically affects younger adults and children, with a peak incidence in the fourth decade of life [9][15].
• Sex: It affects both sexes equally [2].
• Symptoms: The tumor grows slowly and may not cause pain. Many times, you won't have symptoms until the tumor grows large enough to create a lump you can see and/or feel [3].

References:

[1] Context reference 1 [2] Context reference 2 [3] Context reference 3

Common Signs and Symptoms of Monophasic Synovial Sarcoma

Monophasic synovial sarcoma is a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma that can be challenging to diagnose due to its subtle symptoms. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with this condition:

• Painless lump or swelling: The first symptom of monophasic synovial sarcoma is often a painless lump or swelling under the skin, which may not cause any discomfort initially [1].
• Limited range of motion: As the tumor grows, it can press on nerves and joints, leading to limited range of motion in an arm or leg [7].
• Numbness or tingling sensations: The tumor can also cause numbness or tingling sensations if it presses on nerves as it grows [6].
• Pain or tenderness: Some people may experience pain or tenderness in the affected area, especially if the tumor is pressing on a nerve [7].
• Long-standing palpable mass: Monophasic synovial sarcoma can present with a long-standing palpable mass that may not cause any symptoms initially [8].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, making it crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. If you suspect you or someone else has monophasic synovial sarcoma, consult a medical professional for proper evaluation and care.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 5 [7] Context result 7 [8] Context result 8

Treatment Options for Monophasic Synovial Sarcoma

Monophasic synovial sarcoma, a rare and aggressive type of cancer, can be challenging to treat. While there is no cure for this disease, various treatment options are available to manage its progression.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses strong medicines to kill cancer cells. For monophasic synovial sarcoma, chemotherapy might be used before or after surgery (see [5] and [9]). Common chemotherapeutic agents include Doxorubicin and Ifosfamide.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that specifically targets cancer cells. In the case of monophasic synovial sarcoma, targeted therapies such as pazopanib (see [4]) may be used to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.

Current Research and Emerging Treatments

Research into new treatments for monophasic synovial sarcoma is ongoing. Some emerging treatments include:

• Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: These are a type of targeted therapy that specifically targets certain proteins involved in cancer cell growth (see [10]).
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. Researchers are exploring various immunotherapeutic approaches for monophasic synovial sarcoma.

Treatment Centers and Expertise

It is essential to seek treatment at centers that regularly experience a high volume of patients with monophasic synovial sarcoma (see [13]). Close coordination between interprofessional team members, including surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology teams, is crucial for effective treatment.

References:

• [5]
• [9]
• [4]
• [10]

Differential Diagnosis of Monophasic Synovial Sarcoma

Monophasic synovial sarcoma (MSS) is a rare and unique subtype of soft tissue cancer that can be challenging to diagnose. The differential diagnosis for MSS includes several other types of tumors, which are listed below:

• Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors (MPNST): MPNSTs can be indistinguishable from monophasic synovial sarcoma, especially if the synovial sarcoma lacks biphasic areas [11].
• Solitary Fibrous Tumors (SFT): SFTs are another type of soft tissue tumor that can resemble MSS in terms of histological appearance.
• Small Blue Round Cell Tumors (SBRCT): SBRCTs are a group of tumors that include various types, such as Ewing's sarcoma and neuroblastoma. They can be difficult to distinguish from MSS based on morphology alone.
• Fibrosarcoma: Fibrosarcomas are a type of soft tissue cancer that can resemble MSS in terms of histological appearance.

These differential diagnoses are important to consider when evaluating patients with suspected monophasic synovial sarcoma. A thorough examination and diagnostic workup, including imaging studies and molecular testing, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis [11].

References:

• [4] Monophasic synovial sarcoma should mainly be distinguished from MPNST, SFT, clear cell sarcoma, spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma, and fibrosarcoma.
• [6] The differential diagnosis includes malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, muscle-derived sarcomas, and biphasic mesotheliomas.
• [11] On a pathologic level, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST), solitary fibrous tumors (SFT), small blue round cell tumors (SBRCT), and fibrosarcoma are the top differential diagnosis for a patient with SS.