Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma Health Article

Coping with cancer treatment

Most patients who undergo wide local excision to remove their tumors can resume their normal activities within a few days of the operation.

The loss of a limb may produce feelings of grief that are similar to that felt upon the death of a spouse or close family member. Patients who must undergo amputation to remove their cancer may require extended psychological care to help them to deal with this grief and to help them develop a new, healthy, body image. These patients may also require extended physical therapy to learn to operate without the missing limb or to learn to use a prosthetic device.

Clinical trials

There were 40 clinical trials underway, in early 2001, aimed at the treatment of MFHs and other soft tissue sarcomas. More information on these trials, including contact information, may be found by conducting a clinical trial search at the website of the National Cancer Institute, CancerNet <http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/trialsrch.shtml>.

Prevention

Because the causes of MFHs are not known, there is no known prevention.

Special concerns

Repeat surgery may be necessary for MFHs because these tumors sometimes redevelop. Careful monitoring by the medical team will be required.

Resources

BOOKS

Raaf, John H., ed. Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Diagnosis and Treat ment. St. Louis: Mosby-Year Book, 1993.

PERIODICALS

Cole, Catherine H. "Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma." The Cancer Journal 7, no. 2 (March/April 1994).

ORGANIZATIONS

Center for Orthopedic Oncology and Musculoskeletal Research, Washington Cancer Institute. 110 Irving St.NW, Washington, DC 20010. (202) 877-3970. 5 July 2001<http://www.sarcoma.org>

Sarcoma Alliance. 775 East Blithedale #334, Mill Valley, CA94941. (415) 381-7236. 23 July 2001 <http://www.sarcomafoundation.com>.

Paul A. Johnson, Ed.M.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• Which type of MFH do I have?
• What is the size of my tumor?
• Will I require chemotherapy or radiation treatments to shrink my tumor prior to its removal?
• What is the likelihood of my type of MFH coming back?
• How often should I seek follow-up examinations?

Liver function tests (LFTs)

—Blood tests that measure the blood serum levels of several enzymes produced by the liver.

Sarcoma

—A form of cancer that arises from within the supportive tissues, such as bone, cartilage, fat, or muscle.