Sarcoma

What is Sarcoma?

Sarcoma is a type of cancer that originates in the body's connective tissues, such as bones, muscles, fat, cartilage, and blood vessels. It can occur in any part of the body but is most commonly found in the arms, legs, and abdomen.

Types of Sarcoma

1. Bone Sarcoma

• Osteosarcoma: The most common type of bone cancer, usually occurring in the long bones of the arms and legs.
• Ewing Sarcoma: Often found in the pelvis, legs, or chest wall, more common in children and young adults.

2. Soft Tissue Sarcoma

• Liposarcoma: Develops in fat tissues, often in the thigh or abdomen.
• Leiomyosarcoma: Originates in smooth muscles, such as those in the uterus or digestive tract.
• Rhabdomyosarcoma: Affects skeletal muscle tissues and is more common in children.
• Angiosarcoma: Develops in the lining of blood or lymph vessels.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of sarcoma is unknown, but there are several risk factors:

• Genetic disorders: Conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis, and retinoblastoma increase the risk.
• Radiation exposure: Previous radiation therapy for cancer can increase the risk of developing sarcoma.
• Chronic lymphedema: Prolonged swelling due to lymph fluid buildup may increase the risk of angiosarcoma.
• Chemical exposure: Contact with certain chemicals, such as dioxins or herbicides, may increase the risk.
• Age: Although sarcomas can occur at any age, certain types are more common in children, while others occur more frequently in adults.

Symptoms of Sarcoma

Symptoms of sarcoma vary depending on the location and type, but common signs include:

• Noticeable lump under the skin, which may or may not be painful
• Swelling and tenderness in the affected area
• Bone pain, particularly at night or during activity
• Unexplained weight loss
• Limited range of motion if near joints

Diagnosis and Staging

Diagnostic Tests

To diagnose sarcoma, doctors may use the following tests:

• Physical examination: To identify lumps and swelling.
• Imaging tests: Such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or PET scans to visualize the tumor.
• Biopsy: A sample of tissue is taken to confirm the diagnosis and identify the type of sarcoma.

Staging

The staging of sarcoma depends on the size, location, and spread of the tumor:

• Stage I: Low-grade tumor, confined to the original site.
• Stage II: High-grade tumor, confined but more aggressive.
• Stage III: High-grade tumor that may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage IV: Tumor that has spread to distant parts of the body (metastasis).

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type, location, and stage of the sarcoma:

• Surgery: The primary treatment to remove the tumor, often with some surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete removal.
• Radiation therapy: Used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor or kill remaining cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: May be used for certain types of sarcoma, such as Ewing sarcoma or high-grade soft tissue sarcomas.
• Targeted therapy: Drugs that specifically target cancer cell mutations.
• Immunotherapy: Stimulates the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.

Prognosis

The prognosis for sarcoma depends on various factors, including the type, stage at diagnosis, and response to treatment. Early detection and treatment can improve the chances of a positive outcome, especially for low-grade and localized sarcomas.