Alveolar soft part sarcoma – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, January 03, 2018 by Ralph Flores

Alveolar soft‐part sarcoma (ASPS) is a type of sarcoma (cancer developed from connective tissue) that usually occurs in young adults and teenagers and often starts in the lower extremities (such as the trunk). Patients with ASPS do not experience its initial symptoms since the tumor does not form a large mass, to begin with. When patients feel the symptoms of ASPS, they do so at the stage where it has metastasized into other areas. Studies have shown that while this type of cancer cannot be removed completely, patients with the disease have lived for years after diagnosis.

Known side effects for alveolar soft part sarcoma

Alveolar soft part sarcoma is linked to genetic defects on chromosome 17 and the X chromosome. It is important to point out having that risk factor does not immediately mean that you will have the condition.

The etiology of ASPS is unknown. Researchers have suggested that this is a defect in gene fusion, wherein a new protein is developed that is not found in healthy cells – which is responsible for the disease.

The following symptoms may lead to ASPS:

Painless thigh or buttock mass. The mass may cause pain when muscles are stretched and can cause difficulty with movement.
For children, these may appear in head and neck, particularly in the tongue and the eye socket. For adults, it commonly affects thighs and buttocks.

Tumor growth may affect other organs as well, as their growth will obstruct them any may lead to impairment of function.

Body systems affected by alveolar soft part sarcoma

Alveolar soft part sarcoma is normally found in the lower extremities of adults. However, ASPS can metastasize to other areas of the body such as the lungs, which may be the site where it is detected – other common sites are the bone, central nervous system, and the liver. While ASPS is relatively slow to develop, it is known to spread to the brain.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent alveolar soft part sarcoma

Like other forms of cancer, our diet constitutes a great deal in reducing the likelihood of developing ASPS. Here are some recommended food items to help against ASPS.

Alkaline foods – Eating foods rich in alkaline such as lemons, melons, whole grains, beans or legumes, and seeds keep the blood pH in its ideal range. This is important for keeping cancer at bay.
Cruciferous vegetables – Vegetables like kale, cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts contain detoxifying agents that help prevent and reverse cancer.
Green foods – Plants that are color green such as wheatgrass, spirulina, and chlorella contain chlorophyll, which not only purifies the blood but can inhibit carcinogens at a molecular level.
Red foods – Tomatoes, strawberries, and goji berries contain high levels of immuno-supportive and cancer-fighting ingredients like lycopene and carotene. They also have a high antioxidant content, which is ideal for an anti-cancer diet.
Fiber-rich foods – Studies have shown that at least 30g of fiber in a person’s diet may lower certain cancers.
Olive oil – When used in moderation, good-quality, extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil can inhibit cancer growth.
Juices – Freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices contain enzymes and anti-oxidants that are easily digestible.
Mushrooms – Maitake and reishi mushrooms have been observed to have strong anti-tumor properties.
Seaweeds – These ingredients are believed to soften hardened tumors and can be a powerful tool in fighting against cancer.
Spices – Aside from other benefits, some spices have been known to aid in preventing cancer. Rosemary is believed to prevent DNA damage by carcinogens, while capsaicin in chili may kill prostate cancer cells. Parsley has been known to combat lung and breast cancer.

Treatment and management options for alveolar soft part sarcoma

The normal courses of treatment for ASPS are chemotherapy and radiotherapy, aside from medication. Some treatments include:

Surgery – This is the normal route of treatment for ASPS. Tumors may be excised using this; however, a patient may be at risk for bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia.
Chemotherapy – This is the use of drugs to treat soft tissue sarcomas. This method is also known to damage other healthy cells and may lead to other side effects.
Radiation therapy – This method uses high energy beams to damage DNA of cancer cells.

Where to learn more

Summary

Alveolar soft‐part sarcoma is a type of cancer that occurs in the lower extremities of a person. Moreover, while the tumor develops slower, it can be difficult to completely remove. Still, there are foods that can be consumed to prevent the ASPS.

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