Sarcoma - Alveolar Soft Part and Cardiac

A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing cancer. Although risk factors often influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices

The following factor can raise a person's risk of developing ASPS:

Genetics. Research has shown that people with ASPS often have a genetic abnormality or mutation in which part of one chromosome (a long strand of genes) breaks off and reattaches to another chromosome. This is called a translocation. The translocation causes two genes called ASPLand TFE3to merge into one gene called ASPL-TFE3. This mutation is found only in the tumor cells, not in other organs of the body, and is not inherited. Therefore, there is no concern about an increased risk to other family members. The ASPL-TFE3 gene causes cells to make an abnormal enzyme that allows soft tissue cells to grow out of control.