Rare cancers like undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) need specialized treatment. Experts at the OSUCCC – James work together using a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the best possible outcomes for treating sarcomas. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with UPS, it's important to have access to the latest research and treatments. At the OSUCCC – James, we’re working together to change the face of sarcoma diagnoses with this information.
What is undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS)?
Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma is a type of sarcoma that primarily develops in the soft tissues (connective tissues) and less commonly in the bone. The soft tissue of the body includes muscle, fat or ligaments. The cancer also can occur almost anywhere in the body. The tumor gets its name, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, because when the cancer cells are placed under a microscope, the cells are shaped and structured differently than the surrounding tissue cells. The cancer was previously called malignant fibrous histiocytoma but was changed when additional research concluded that the origin of the cancer was different than originally thought. Despite the name change, UPS is still rare and can be aggressive.
What causes UPS?
The exact cause of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma is currently unknown. Soft tissue sarcomas occur when abnormal cells in the body replicate and grow at a rapid rate. While the exact reason why this may happen in some people and not others remains unknown, there are risk factors that can increase it.
Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma risk factors
There are some risk factors that are thought to increase the likelihood you could develop UPS. Risk factors are anything that can influence whether or not you could develop a condition.
The biggest risk factors for developing UPS are previous radiation exposure and age. UPS can occur if you have previously had radiation treatments, but it remains rare. Age is also a risk factor. The cancer is usually seen in adults aged 50 and older.
It’s important to remember that just because you may have a risk factor doesn’t mean you’ll develop the disease. You should always talk to your doctor to understand your risk factors for developing UPS.
UPS symptoms
The exact symptoms for UPS will be dependent on the location of the suspected tumor.
Common symptoms for UPS may include:
- A lump or bump that grows under the skin
- Pain around the bump
- Swelling, numbness or tingling near the site of the bump/lump
- Unintended weight loss if lump is in the abdomen
It’s important to remember that many illnesses may have similar symptoms to UPS. Just because you have symptoms doesn’t mean you have UPS. Talk to your doctor if you notice anything abnormal.
How is undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma diagnosed?
If there’s a possibility you may have UPS, your doctor may refer you to a team of specialists. At the OSUCCC – James, our cancer experts will order imaging tests and/or biopsies to determine the exact cause of the problem.
Some of the imaging tests your doctors may order include:
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
These imaging tests will help experts at the OSUCCC – James understand the exact location and size of the tumor. These factors can influence what treatment options might be available to you.
Your OSUCCC – James team may also recommend a biopsy. A specially trained pathologist will take a sample using a needle from the suspected tumor. From there, a pathologist will look at the sample under a microscope to determine if the tumor is UPS. Your pathologist will then communicate the results to your doctors, and treatment options can be discussed if a diagnosis is made.
Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma treatment
Because the OSUCCC – James uses a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, if a UPS diagnosis is confirmed, you may work with a surgical oncologist, radiation oncologist and other subspecialists. They will create a custom treatment plan specifically for you.
The gold standard for treatment is complete surgical removal of the tumor plus surrounding affected tissue and radiation therapy. This combination ensures the best possible treatment. Experts at the OSUCCC – James have on-staff reconstructive surgeons who specialize in soft tissue reconstruction. This provides an increased rate of limb-saving procedures, so only the necessary tissue is removed and preserves as much function after surgery as possible.
If your cancer has spread to other places, your doctor may recommend chemotherapy. Some additional treatments may include immunotherapy or targeted drug therapy depending on your case. Clinical trials are also an option. At any given time, the OSUCCC – James has over 20 clinical trials devoted to sarcomas alone.
UPS is an aggressive cancer that can come back. The OSUCCC – James participates in ORIEN (Oncology Research Information Exchange Network), and through Total Cancer Care (TCC) all sarcomas that are removed have tissue saved and banked for research if a patient consents to it. This can give you new treatment options should your tumor return.
If you have received a UPS diagnosis, if you want a second opinion or if you want to speak to a sarcoma specialist, we are here to help you. Call 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.
Additional Resources
Types of Sarcoma
Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Prevention
Screening and Diagnosis
Clinical Trials