Sarcoma, also known as soft tissue sarcoma, is a type of cancer that grows in the soft tissues of different body parts such as fats, muscles, nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels, or deep skin tissues. Although several risk factors may indicate the likelihood of someone being diagnosed with the condition, very few of them are known to cause cancer directly. Here are some common risk factors associated with sarcoma.

1. Radiation exposure
People who have had to undergo radiation therapy previously to treat other cancers are potentially at risk of being diagnosed with sarcoma. Such risks are usually minimal since doctors are cautious about being extremely precise about the number of doses a person is supposed to receive in the form of radiation. Other forms of radiation, such as X-rays, are less dangerous.

2. Exposure to chemicals
The risk of being diagnosed with sarcoma increases significantly for people frequently exposed to harsh, radioactive substances and chemicals. Such chemicals may include vinyl chloride monomers, dioxin, chlorophenols, or certain varieties of herbicides. People usually come in contact with such chemicals only if they work in an industry that deals with manufacturing plastic, pesticides, or other such products.

3. Genetic factors
If someone has a family history of cancer, they are more likely to be diagnosed with cancers like soft tissue sarcoma. Such vulnerabilities are caused due to specific gene mutations and may cause disorders such as tuberous sclerosis or Gorlin syndrome. Aside from cancer, people with a family history of diseases such as neurofibromatosis, Gardner syndrome, and retinoblastoma are also more likely to develop sarcoma.

4. Immune system abnormalities
This type of cancer is also very commonly observed in people who have a compromised immune system. This may be due to various factors, including lifestyle habits and genetics. This may also be due to certain autoimmune conditions, such as lupus or psoriasis. People infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are also at a higher risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma. A lack of immunity is also observed in people who have been diagnosed with cancers like chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

5. Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a condition in which the body’s lymphatic system gets damaged or compromised either due to surgery or radiation therapy. This results in swelling in the upper or lower extremities. Sometimes, this condition can also be present since birth. People with lymphedema are often at risk of developing specific types of sarcomas such as angiosarcoma in the regions where the lymphedema has developed.