A sarcoma is a rare type of malignant (cancerous) tumor that develops in bone and connective tissue, such as fat, muscle, blood vessels, nerves, and the tissue surrounding bones and joints. Soft tissues support other body structures and include muscle, fat, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments. Symptoms depend on the tumor’s size and location.
At ILS Hospitals, sarcoma treatment is comprehensive, offering surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Our expert oncologists and surgeons utilise advanced diagnostic tools, including biopsy, MRI, and CT scans, to accurately diagnose and stage sarcoma. This rare cancer affects the bones and soft tissues. Depending on the type and stage of the sarcoma, we develop a tailored treatment plan focused on improving survival rates and quality of life. We provide compassionate, multidisciplinary care throughout every stage of sarcoma treatment, ensuring the best outcomes for patients.
Symptoms
The symptoms may vary according to the tumor’s location. For instance, in their early stages, certain sarcomas could not exhibit any symptoms. While some sarcomas don’t cause pain until they become large enough to press against an organ, others may feel like a lump beneath the skin. The arm or leg may swell or experience persistent bone pain from other sarcomas, which can worsen at night. These adjustments may restrict one’s mobility. Other symptoms could consist of:
- A new lump, which may or may not hurt
- Pain in an arm, leg, or abdomen/pelvis
- Trouble moving your arm or leg (a limp or restricted range of motion)
- Weight loss that cannot be explained
- Back pain
Causes
Sarcomas form when immature bone or soft tissue cells change to their DNA, resulting in the development of cancer cells that grow unregulated. They may eventually form a mass or tumor that can invade nearby healthy tissues. If left untreated, the cancer can travel via the bloodstream or lymphatic system from the primary location where it formed to other organs (metastasis).
Diagnosis
Our team will start with a complete history and physical assessment. They may run additional tests on a tissue sample taken from a biopsy to determine the specific type of sarcoma :
- X-ray: We take pictures of your body’s soft tissues and bones using tiny doses of radiation.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: This process creates cross-sectional images of your body by combining multiple X-ray images using computer technology.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI creates clear images of the inside of your body by combining huge magnets, radio waves, and a computer. If your X-ray reveals an abnormality, your doctor may prescribe an MRI to obtain more comprehensive images.
- Bone scan: Our team injects a small amount of radioactive material into the body to detect bone disorders, such as bone sarcoma.
- PET scan: We use a specialized glucose tracer that adheres to cells that consume large amounts of glucose, such as cancer cells. This tracer reveals areas of the body with abnormally high glucose levels, indicating a tumor.
- Biopsy: During a biopsy, our team extracts tissue from the tumor and sends it to a laboratory. A pathologist examines the tissue using a microscope to determine whether it is a sarcoma. This analysis helps the clinician determine the type of sarcoma present and identify the most effective treatments.
Stages of sarcoma
Cancer staging is used to determine the severity of a sarcoma and identify the most effective treatments. We diagnose most sarcomas using the TNM classification system:
- T: Indicates the size and location of the primary tumour.
- N: Indicates whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- M: Indicates whether the cancer has spread to other organs (metastatic).
Prevention
Preventing sarcoma is challenging due to its unclear causes, but reducing risk factors can help. Avoid exposure to radiation and harmful chemicals, and follow safety guidelines at work. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by engaging in regular exercise and following a balanced diet. For those with genetic predispositions, regular medical checkups and genetic counseling may aid early detection and intervention.
