Sarcomas

Abnormal growth of cells in the connective tissue

Overview

Sarcomas are a type of cancer that develops in the connective tissue. The tumors can be formed in any part of the body including the bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage, nerves, and blood vessels.

There are more than 60 types of sarcomas that can be treated with the help of surgery.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of sarcomas are:

Abdominal Pain

Pain in Bones

Weight Loss

Lump on Skin

Causes

Sarcomas can be caused due to:

Diagnosis

Other than the regular physical checkup a doctor may advise one or more than one of the following tests to determine the best treatment. Tests can include:

Ultrasound

MRI

CT Scan

Biopsy

When to See a Doctor

Make an appointment right away if any worrisome symptoms appear.

Treatment

Treatment for sarcomas will depend on its stage, location, and patient’s overall health. Usually, surgery is the mainstay of the treatment. For most tumors, a compartmental excision needs to be performed to remove cancer completely. Sometimes, limb amputation becomes unavoidable but surgeons do try their best to preserve the limbs if possible. This is later followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy to kill the remaining cancer cells.

Risks, Complications & Preventions

It is not possible to eliminate the risk of developing sarcomas completely. However, it can be prevented by avoiding exposure to radiation and certain chemicals like herbicides and dioxin. Make an appointment with your doctor if you feel pain in the bones or see a lump on your body to prevent any further complications.