Chances of survival
The chances of survival in synovial sarcoma are not good. The 5 year survival rate is about 40-70%, the 10 year survival rate is only 20-50%. Due to a high relapse rate despite successful treatment and a high spread rate, the prognosis of a synovial sarcoma is rather poor. Of course, the exact and individual prognosis depends on various factors. In addition to the age of the disease, the size of the synovial sarcoma and its localization play a role.
Synovial sarcoma in the knee
The knee is considered the typical and most common manifestation site of synovial sarcoma. The tumor in the knee may initially present with very unspecific symptoms such as movement-dependent pain as well as pressure pain and a slight swelling. These symptoms are very common in athletes or children in the growth phase and are not necessarily an immediate cause for concern. However, it is therefore all the more important to consult a doctor for clarification in the case of such long-standing complaints. Fortunately, synovial sarcoma is a rare, malignant soft-tissue tumor and ultimately the cause of knee problems in very few cases.
Metastases
Internal organs such as kidney, heart and lungs are considered to be rather untypical manifestation sites of synovial sarcoma. However, although rare, it is possible for synovial sarcoma to manifest itself at the internal organs. This is often the case in the context of metastasis, i.e. spreading of the primary tumor.
The synovial sarcoma spreads via the bloodstream, i.e. hematogenously, into the lungs. Metastases in the lung are typical for this tumor and often occur years after an initially successful therapy as a recurrence or at a later point in the course of the disease. A scattering of the tumor tissue via the lymphatic tract, i.e. lymphogenic, is comparatively rare.
Often metastases of the malignant synovial sarcoma are already present at the time of initial diagnosis. As soon as metastases are present, chemotherapy is absolutely necessary.
