Overview
Myxofibrosarcoma (sometimes called myxoid malignant fibrous histiocytoma or MFS) is a type of soft tissue cancer that grows in the connective tissues of the body — the tissues that support, connect, and surround muscles, fat, and other structures. It most often appears as a slow-growing lump or mass under the skin, most commonly in the arms or legs, though it can develop in the trunk or other areas. The tumor tends to have a jelly-like (myxoid) texture and can spread along tissue planes, which makes it tricky to remove completely. Myxofibrosarcoma is one of the more common soft tissue sarcomas in older adults. It can range from low-grade (slow-growing, less likely to spread) to high-grade (faster-growing, higher risk of spreading to other parts of the body like the lungs). Symptoms often include a painless or mildly painful lump that gradually gets bigger. Some people notice swelling, tenderness, or limited movement in the affected area. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor, often combined with radiation therapy to reduce the chance of it coming back. Chemotherapy may be used for high-grade or advanced cases. Because this cancer can recur locally (come back in the same area), close follow-up after treatment is very important. Early detection and treatment at a specialized sarcoma center give the best outcomes.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
A painless or mildly painful lump or swelling under the skinA lump that slowly grows larger over weeks or monthsSwelling or puffiness in an arm, leg, or trunkTenderness or soreness around the lumpLimited movement or stiffness near the affected areaA firm or rubbery mass that feels attached to deeper tissueSkin changes over the lump such as redness or warmthFatigue or unexplained weight loss in advanced casesShortness of breath if the cancer has spread to the lungs
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Myxofibrosarcoma.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Myxofibrosarcoma at this time.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Myxofibrosarcoma.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What grade is my tumor, and what does that mean for my treatment and prognosis?,Will I need radiation therapy in addition to surgery, and if so, will it be before or after the operation?,What are the chances the tumor will come back, and how will we monitor for that?,Should I be treated at a specialized sarcoma center, and can you refer me to one?,Are there any clinical trials I might be eligible for?,What are the expected side effects of treatment, and how will they affect my daily life?,How often will I need follow-up scans, and for how long?
Common questions about Myxofibrosarcoma
What is Myxofibrosarcoma?
Myxofibrosarcoma (sometimes called myxoid malignant fibrous histiocytoma or MFS) is a type of soft tissue cancer that grows in the connective tissues of the body — the tissues that support, connect, and surround muscles, fat, and other structures. It most often appears as a slow-growing lump or mass under the skin, most commonly in the arms or legs, though it can develop in the trunk or other areas. The tumor tends to have a jelly-like (myxoid) texture and can spread along tissue planes, which makes it tricky to remove completely. Myxofibrosarcoma is one of the more common soft tissue sarcoma
How is Myxofibrosarcoma inherited?
Myxofibrosarcoma follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Myxofibrosarcoma typically begin?
Typical onset of Myxofibrosarcoma is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Myxofibrosarcoma?
12 specialists and care centers treating Myxofibrosarcoma are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.