Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Causes Spindle Cell Sarcoma?

Toni Henthorn
Toni Henthorn

Sarcomas are tumors that arise in the soft, connective tissues that support and surround the organs and other structures of the body. A spindle cell sarcoma is a soft tissue sarcoma whose cells exhibit a spindle shape, with an elongated body that is wider in the middle and tapers to a point at each end. The spindle cells arise among actively dividing cells engaged in abnormal patterns of cell division, and they exhibit strands of collagen and stretched out nuclei. These sarcomas occur rarely due to the typically slow rate of replication of connective tissues under normal circumstances. Researchers believe there are several possible causes for a this kind of sarcoma, including genetic predisposition, exposure to radiation or certain chemicals, trauma, and inflammation, all of which may stimulate the tissues to divide more rapidly than normal.

Research has shown that some chromosomal mutations and other genetic conditions may predispose an individual to the development of a spindle cell sarcoma. Oncogene, tumor suppressor genes, and other cellular genetic defects have been isolated that exhibit an association with connective tissue sarcomas. For example, a Neurofibromatosis-1 gene (NF1) codes for the development of diffuse fibrous tumors throughout the body in patients with neurofibromatosis, and these lesions can undergo malignant change. Genetic testing plays a key role in diagnosis, and genetic engineering may one day provide effective therapies for the prevention of this condition.

Causes for a spindle cell sarcoma may include genetic predisposition.
Causes for a spindle cell sarcoma may include genetic predisposition.

Much like other tumors that arise after irradiation, this sarcoma can occur in tissues that have been irradiated for other cancers. The radiation may induce genetic mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell division. Additionally, various environmental or industrial chemicals have been linked to the development of these sarcomas, including vinyl chloride and arsenic. The relationship between a spindle cell sarcoma and trauma is unclear, but the involved mechanism may be related to inflammation in the injured tissues. Alternatively, diagnosis of a tumor in an area is more likely when the tissue is examined after an injury.

Genetic testing can be used to diagnose spindle cell sarcoma.
Genetic testing can be used to diagnose spindle cell sarcoma.

Infection also may lead to the formation of this condition. The most common example of an infection-related sarcoma is Kaposi’s sarcoma. Kaposi’s sarcoma is characterized by multiple purple, red, or blue elevated patches in the skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and mouth. These tumors occur in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and Herpes virus Type 8 infections. Herpes virus Type 8 is a distinctive human tumor virus that has integrated into its genetic material genes that cause tumors, which also allow the virus to evade detection by the immune system.

Discussion Comments

Kumo

I had a large spindle cell tumor removed from my pelvis,and have been exposed to chemicals vapors most of my working life.wondering if anybody else has ever been exposed to chemicals like sulphuric or hydrofluoric acid And had a spindle cell tumor or any other kind of tumor, possibly from being exposed to chemicals vapors.

anon981573

My father has just been diagnosed with it too. Some of his cancer team have never seen a case before.

donasmrs

From what I understand, this is one of cancer types where doctors are still unsure of the causes. Everything that's mentioned here just seems like theories to me.

bear78

@MikeMason-- It is believed that hereditary factors are involved with spindle cell cancer. But this is not like the role that genetics plays in breast cancer for example. So the fact that your close relatives have it doesn't mean that you will get it too.

Spindle cells only form in the body as a response to disease or injury. This is why it's important to protect oneself from injury and disease. Rather than worrying about genetics, concentrate on keeping yourself healthy and protect against infections and injuries that will require an immune response from your body.

stoneMason

My father died from spindle cell carcinoma. My great grandfather probably did too, I don't think medicine was advanced enough to determine if it was this kind of cancer at that time.

Does this mean that I or my children will get it too?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Causes for a spindle cell sarcoma may include genetic predisposition.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Causes for a spindle cell sarcoma may include genetic predisposition.
    • Genetic testing can be used to diagnose spindle cell sarcoma.
      By: lily
      Genetic testing can be used to diagnose spindle cell sarcoma.
    • Spindle cell sarcoma may be caused by radiation that's used to treat other cancers.
      By: jovannig
      Spindle cell sarcoma may be caused by radiation that's used to treat other cancers.