Sarcoma
Sarcoma cancer originates in the connective tissues of the body, such as bones, muscles, fat, and blood vessels, and progresses through various stages. Initial symptoms may include a lump or swelling, pain, or functional impairment in the affected area. In India, sarcomas are relatively rare but can occur at any age, affecting both children and adults.
Symptoms:
Early signs may include:
- A noticeable lump or swelling, often painless initially
- Pain or tenderness in the affected area
- Limited range of motion or functional impairment
- Unintended weight loss
- Fatigue
- Unexplained fractures (in bone sarcomas)
- Abdominal pain (in abdominal sarcomas)
Causes:
The exact cause remains unclear, but risk factors include:
- Genetic predispositions (e.g., Li-Fraumeni syndrome, familial retinoblastoma)
- Exposure to radiation
- Exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., herbicides, industrial chemicals)
- Chronic lymphedema
- Previous radiation therapy
- Certain inherited syndromes (e.g., neurofibromatosis type 1)
Treatment:
Treatment options include:
- Surgery: Removing the cancerous tissue, often the primary treatment
- Radiation therapy: High energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells, often used before or after surgery
- Chemotherapy: Medications to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors, especially for high- grade sarcomas
- Targeted therapy: Drugs that specifically target cancer cell mechanisms
- Immunotherapy: Boosting the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer
- Cryotherapy: Freezing cancer cells, used in some cases for bone sarcomas