Sarcoma

Sarcoma

Sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the body's connective tissues, including bones, muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, and cartilage. Sarcomas are rare and can occur in various parts of the body, with two primary types: bone sarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas. They tend to grow aggressively and may spread to other areas, making early diagnosis and treatment critical.

Treatment

The treatment approach for sarcoma depends on the type, size, location, and stage of the cancer. Common treatment methods include:

• Surgery: The most common treatment for sarcoma, aiming to remove the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete excision.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams are used to destroy cancer cells, either before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Involves the use of drugs to attack cancer cells, often used for aggressive or advanced sarcomas, or when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
• Targeted Therapy: Focuses on specific molecular targets within cancer cells, blocking their ability to grow and spread, while minimizing damage to normal tissues.
• Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to recognize and fight sarcoma cells more effectively.

The treatment plan is individualized based on the patient's overall health and the characteristics of the sarcoma.

Types of Sarcoma

• Osteosarcoma: A bone cancer that primarily affects the long bones of the arms and legs, commonly occurring in children and young adults.
• Liposarcoma: A type of soft tissue sarcoma that arises from fat cells, typically found in the thighs, abdomen, or behind the knee.
• Chondrosarcoma: A cancer that originates in cartilage cells, usually affecting the pelvis, shoulder, or ribs.
• Angiosarcoma: A rare cancer that starts in the lining of blood vessels and can occur anywhere in the body, including the skin, breast, and liver.

Common Symptoms

• Swelling or a lump that may increase in size over time
• Persistent pain, especially at night or during activity
• Difficulty with movement or reduced range of motion
• Fatigue and unintended weight loss
• Fractures in the case of bone sarcoma

Diagnosis

Diagnosing sarcoma typically involves:

• Imaging Studies: MRI, CT scans, and X-rays are used to assess the tumor’s size, location, and whether it has spread to other tissues.
• Biopsy: A sample of the tumor is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cancer’s grade.
• Bone Scan: Detects any abnormalities in the bones, especially if bone sarcoma is suspected.
• Genetic Testing: Identifies specific genetic mutations that may influence treatment decisions, particularly for targeted therapies.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: Helps determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.