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Sarcoma: Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment (Complete Medical Guide)
Sarcoma is a rare but serious type of cancer that develops from connective tissues of the body, such as bones, muscles, fat, blood vessels, cartilage, and fibrous tissues. Unlike more common cancers that arise from epithelial cells, sarcomas originate from mesenchymal tissues and can affect people of any age.
This comprehensive guide explains sarcoma in a clear, evidence-based, and human-written manner, similar to trusted medical encyclopedias.
What Is Sarcoma?
Sarcoma is a malignant tumor that arises from connective or supportive tissues. These cancers are uncommon, accounting for less than 1% of adult cancers but a higher proportion of childhood cancers. Sarcomas may occur almost anywhere in the body and often grow silently until they reach an advanced stage.
Classification of Sarcoma
1. Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Soft tissue sarcomas develop in muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, and other soft tissues. Common subtypes include liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and angiosarcoma.
2. Bone Sarcoma
Bone sarcomas originate in bone tissue. Major types include osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Genetic mutations (inherited or acquired)
- Previous radiation therapy
- Certain genetic syndromes (e.g., Li-Fraumeni syndrome)
- Chronic lymphedema
- Exposure to chemical carcinogens
In many cases, the exact cause of sarcoma remains unknown.
Signs and Symptoms of Sarcoma
- Painless lump or swelling
- Increasing size of a mass
- Bone pain (especially at night)
- Restricted movement near joints
- Unexplained fractures
- Fatigue and unintended weight loss
Early sarcomas may be asymptomatic, which makes early detection challenging.
Diagnosis of Sarcoma
Accurate diagnosis requires a multidisciplinary approach:
- Imaging: MRI, CT scan, PET scan
- Biopsy: Core needle or surgical biopsy
- Histopathology: Microscopic tissue examination
- Immunohistochemistry & molecular testing
Histopathological confirmation is essential before starting treatment.
Treatment Options
Surgery
Surgical removal with clear margins is the primary treatment for most sarcomas.
Chemotherapy
Used in high-grade sarcomas or metastatic disease, particularly in bone sarcomas.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation may be given before or after surgery to reduce recurrence risk.
Targeted and Immunotherapy
Certain sarcoma subtypes respond to targeted drugs and immunotherapy.
Prognosis and Survival Rate
Prognosis depends on tumor type, size, grade, stage, and response to treatment. Early-stage sarcomas have a significantly better survival rate compared to advanced disease.
Prevention and Early Detection
There is no guaranteed prevention for sarcoma. However, early evaluation of persistent lumps or unexplained bone pain improves outcomes significantly.
When to See a Doctor
Consult a doctor if you notice:
- A lump growing over time
- Persistent bone or muscle pain
- Swelling without injury
Related Articles (Internal Links)
- Neoplasm: Definition, Types, and Causes
- Histopathology: Definition and Clinical Importance
- ICD-10 Codes: Medical Coding Guide
- Early Warning Signs of Cancer
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