Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma?
An oncologist, a doctor who specializes in treating cancer, usually leads care. A surgeon may remove the growth, and a radiation oncologist may give radiation therapy. Because the disease is rare, care often involves a team of specialists. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Alveolar soft part sarcoma is a rare cancer that starts in soft tissue, such as muscle, fat, and blood vessels. The name comes from the way tumor cells look under a microscope, arranged in clusters that resemble tiny air sacs. It grows slowly but can spread to the lungs and bones.
Symptoms
The most common sign is a painless lump or swelling, often in the leg, thigh, or buttock. Because it usually does not hurt, the tumor can go unnoticed. If it presses on nerves, it may cause aching. If it spreads to the lungs, a person might cough or feel short of breath.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not know what causes alveolar soft part sarcoma. It is not contagious or caused by anything a person did. The tumor cells carry a translocation, meaning two chromosomes swap pieces of genetic material. It most often appears in teens and young adults and is somewhat more common in females.
How doctors diagnose it
Diagnosis starts with a physical exam and imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan, which can show the tumor and whether it has spread. The key test is a biopsy, in which a doctor removes a small piece of the tumor for a specialist to examine.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor and whether it has spread. Surgery to remove the tumor is the most common treatment. Doctors may also use radiation therapy or targeted drugs. Because this cancer is so rare, many patients are treated at large cancer centers.
When to see a doctor
Anyone who notices a lump that keeps growing should see a doctor. Most lumps are harmless, but it is worth getting checked. A doctor may order imaging or refer the person to a specialist.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can evaluate a new lump, order imaging, and refer the patient to an oncologist. They cannot usually treat this cancer themselves, but they can coordinate care between specialist visits.
Common questions
Is alveolar soft part sarcoma curable?
Some people are treated successfully, especially when the tumor is found early and removed with surgery. However, this cancer can come back or spread years later. Long-term follow-up care is therefore common. Outcomes differ from person to person, and no one can promise a result.
Does it hurt?
Often it does not. Many people notice a painless lump, which is one reason the diagnosis can be delayed. Pain is more likely if the tumor presses on nerves or grows large.
Can children get it?
Yes, although it is rare. It appears most often in teens and young adults, but cases have been reported across many age groups. A pediatric cancer specialist usually treats children with the disease.
How fast does it grow?
It usually grows slowly compared with many other cancers. Even so, it can spread to the lungs and other organs. This sometimes happens years after the first tumor appears. Regular checkups and scans are part of long-term care.
Sources
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Alveolar soft part sarcoma
- MedlinePlus - Soft Tissue Sarcoma
- National Cancer Institute - Soft Tissue Sarcoma-Patient Version - NCI
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
