It is shocking to know that there are subtypes of Sarcoma classified based on the cell of origin. Sarcoma is a collective name for cancers that develop from soft tissues and bones. Soft tissues like muscles, nerves, blood vessels and tendons.
It can start majorly in cells that support or connect tissues in the body and as such can start anywhere in the body through majorly in the arms or legs.
There are more than 70 types of it. Treatment for sarcoma varies depending on sarcoma type, location and other factors.
The exact cause of sarcoma is not known, although risk factors could be genetics, exposure to radiation and strong chemicals.
People without these risk factors can still have sarcoma. But with early detection comes a chance of survival with all types of cancer.
Sarcoma may be benign or malignant, meaning they could either be non-cancerous or cancerous that they spread to other parts of the body.
The types of Sarcoma [Bone and soft tissues Sarcoma] and subtypes usually almost comes with the same symptoms only when it has affected the function of another organ which might seem like a symptom caused by another ailment.
One may have symptoms like weight loss, a painful or painless lump under the skin, reduced mobility, pain at the affected joint which may be worse at night.
Special tests are done to diagnose Sarcoma as treatment will be based on the exact kind of cancer and its origin in the body.
Test such as X-ray, Bone scan, PET scan [shows areas in the body with high glucose content, indicating a rapidly growing cell}, Biopsy.
Proper diagnosis helps determine the stage of cancer in order to determine the proper course of treatment. A stage IV sarcoma indicates that that the tumour has spread to other parts of the body.
Some Risk factors of Sarcoma
Factors that can increase the risk of sarcoma include:
- Inherited syndromes. Some syndromes that increase the risk of cancer can be passed from parents to children. Examples of syndromes that increase the risk of sarcoma include familial retinoblastoma and neurofibromatosis type 1.
- Radiation therapy for cancer. Radiation treatment for cancer increases the risk of developing a sarcoma later.
- Chronic swelling (lymphedema). Lymphedema is swelling caused by a backup of lymph fluid that occurs when the lymphatic system is blocked or damaged. It increases the risk of a type of sarcoma called angiosarcoma.
- Exposure to chemicals. Certain chemicals, such as some industrial chemicals and herbicides, can increase the risk of sarcoma that affects the liver.
- Exposure to viruses. The virus called human herpesvirus 8 can increase the risk of a type of sarcoma called Kaposi’s sarcoma in people with weakened immune systems.
Treatment of Sarcoma
Treatment could range from Surgery to remove the tumour, radiation to kill the cancer cells and prevent them from returning, chemotherapy [the use of medication to shrink the cancers cells]
And in some cases for bone Sarcoma, amputation of the arm or limb to prevent spreading of the tumour to other parts of the body.
These treatments are not without side effects which depends mainly on the treatment method. Preventing cancer will be to stay away from the risk factors but it still can occur respectively.
Having a relative or friend dealing with cancer is depressing, if you feel that way, most certainly they feel worse.
It is likely, they seem not interested in life anymore but being available [financially and physically] and sensitive to their feelings could help them pull through. Click here to read more.
