Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the body's connective tissues, such as bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage, nerves, fat, and blood vessels. Unlike the more common carcinomas, sarcomas affect the cells that support and connect other tissues in the body. While sarcomas can occur anywhere, they are most commonly found in the arms and legs.
There are two main types of sarcoma:
Soft tissue sarcoma
Bone sarcoma, also known as osteosarcoma
In 2022, an estimated 13,190 cases of soft tissue sarcoma and 800-900 new cases of bone sarcoma will be diagnosed in the United States.
While the exact cause of sarcoma is unknown, several factors can increase the risk of developing this type of cancer:
Family history of sarcoma
Paget's disease, a bone disorder
Genetic disorders, such as neurofibromatosis, Gardner syndrome, retinoblastoma, or Li-Fraumeni syndrome
Exposure to radiation, possibly during treatment for a previous cancer
Soft tissue sarcomas can be challenging to detect because they can develop anywhere in the body. The most common symptom is a painless lump that may grow and press against nerves or muscles, causing discomfort or breathing difficulties.
Osteosarcoma, on the other hand, may present with more apparent symptoms, such as:
Intermittent pain in the affected bone, which may worsen at night
Swelling that often begins weeks after the onset of pain
A limp, if the sarcoma is located in the leg
Osteosarcoma is more common in children and young adults. Because growing pains and sports injuries can cause similar symptoms, it's essential to consult a doctor if the pain persists, worsens at night, or is localized to one arm or leg.
If your doctor suspects sarcoma, they may recommend a comprehensive examination and tests, including:
A biopsy to collect a sample of cells from the tumor
Imaging tests, such as a CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI, to visualize the inside of your body
A bone scan, if osteosarcoma is suspected
The treatment plan for sarcoma depends on several factors, including the type and location of the tumor, its stage of development, and whether it has metastasized to other parts of the body. Common treatment options include:
Surgery to remove the tumor
Radiation therapy to shrink the tumor before surgery or kill remaining cancer cells after surgery
Chemotherapy drugs, used alone or in combination with surgery
Targeted therapies that use drugs or engineered antibodies to block cancer cell growth while sparing healthy cells
The prognosis for sarcoma depends on various factors, such as the tumor's grade and whether it has spread. Most people with low-grade soft tissue sarcomas can be cured by surgery alone. More aggressive sarcomas may be more challenging to treat successfully.
The survival rate for osteosarcoma ranges from 60% to 75% if the cancer has not spread beyond its original location. The likelihood of a cure increases if the entire tumor can be removed surgically.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have sarcoma, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. For more information on sarcoma, visit the American Cancer Society, Cancer.Net, or the Sarcoma Alliance.
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