When healthy cells transform and grow beyond control to form tumors, it might be the start of cancer. Tumors can be malignant (cancerous) or benign. 

• The malignant or cancerous tumors spread to other parts of the body. 
• A benign tumor grows and infiltrates neighboring areas, but it won’t spread and usually won’t affect one’s lifespan.

In this article, we discuss a particular kind of cancer called sarcoma. Sarcoma is known as the ‘Forgotten’ or ‘Lonely’ cancer, as it is among the rarest deadliest forms of cancer. 

What is Sarcoma?

Sarcoma is one of the deadliest rare cancers, affecting both adults and children. It refers to a large group of cancers that can occur in many locations in the body. 

Malignant cells develop in the bones and the soft tissues of the body. Soft tissues help in supporting the other parts of your body and include: 

• Cartilage
• Fat
• Muscle
• Blood vessels
• Nerves
• Tendons
• Lining of joints. 

There are 70+ subtypes of sarcoma and treatment depends on certain factors, including the type and location.

What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Sarcoma?

The signs and symptoms of sarcoma can vary depending on the tumor’s location. So, there might not be any noticeable symptoms of sarcoma in the early stages. However, watch out for these common sarcoma symptoms that may include:

• A new lump that may or may not be painful
• A broken bone that happens unexpectedly 
• Bone pain in the arms, legs, and abdomen or pelvis area
• Swelling in the arms or legs (Lymphedema) that can worsen at night 
• Trouble moving the arm or leg 
• Unexplained weight loss
• Back pain

Since sarcoma shares symptoms with many other health conditions, contact your primary care provider to help you determine whether your symptoms are because of sarcoma or any other disease.

What Are The Causes Of Sarcoma?

When the DNA of immature bone cells or soft tissue cells is altered, it can cause sarcoma. These cancer cells spread uncontrollably, which eventually can develop into a tumor that could spread to the surrounding healthy tissues. If left untreated, cancer can spread (metastasize) from the primary site of origin to other organs through your bloodstream or lymphatic system. Metastasized cancer can be difficult to treat.

Researchers are unsure of what causes a healthy cell to develop into a sarcoma.

What Are The Risk Factors Of Sarcoma?

Factors that can increase the risk of sarcoma include:

Genetics: Certain inherited syndromes can increase the risk of sarcoma, including from parents to children. Examples of syndromes that increase the risk of sarcoma include familial retinoblastoma, neurofibromatosis type 1, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Gorlin syndrome, Werner syndrome, Gardner syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, and von Hippel-Lindau disease. 

Radiation therapy: Exposure to high doses of radiation can cause sarcoma, especially a particular type called angiosarcoma.

Exposure to chemicals and viruses: Exposure to arsenic and certain chemicals may increase the risk of sarcoma that affects your liver. Likewise, exposure to certain viruses like human herpesvirus 8 can increase the risk of a type of sarcoma called Kaposi’s sarcoma in people with weakened immune systems.

What Is The Diagnosis For Sarcoma?

As of 2023, nearly 16000 Americans (3970 bone sarcomas and approximately 13,400 soft tissue sarcomas) are diagnosed every year.

As per the National Cancer Institute, it often goes underestimated since it’s difficult to distinguish sarcoma from other cancers when they develop within the organs. 

Regular doctor visits and checkups can help in diagnosing sarcoma in the early stages. Your doctor may use the following tests to diagnose sarcoma. 

Physical tests: Your doctor will inquire about your medical history before conducting the physical exam to look for any signs of sarcoma. 

Imaging tests: There are many imaging tests to diagnose sarcoma. But only your doctor can determine which tests are right for you based on your condition. X-rays help detect any problems in your bones and soft tissues. An MRI can give a clear picture of the inside of your body and is suitable for detecting connective tissue issues. Bone scans can help identify bone disorders like bone sarcoma. PET scans can help detect the malignant tumors. CT scans give a clear cross-sectional view of the inside of your body. 

Biopsy: Your doctor will remove a small portion of the tissue from the tumor and send it to the lab for analysis by a pathologist. Based on the report, your best doctor in Campbell can determine the type of sarcoma and the best treatment options. 

What Are The Treatment Options For Sarcoma?

Your doctor usually decides the treatment based on the type, location, severity, and extent of the spread of the sarcoma. The common treatment options for sarcoma are:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy 
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Ablation therapy

Surgery is typically used to remove the malignant tumors and treat sarcoma. They may also use other treatment procedures before or after surgery.

Stop Sarcoma Before It Stops You From Living Your Best Life 

Sarcoma isn’t just one kind of cancer. It’s varied types of growth that might appear in your soft tissue or bones. 

If you have a mass or tumor, and it’s larger than a golf ball (around 5 centimeters), consult the doctor irrespective of whether it hurts or not. Also, if you experience sudden bone pain that’s not connected to injury and it doesn’t subside, contact your healthcare provider immediately. 

Your doctor’s diagnosis is key to determining the best treatment options for you.