- Every July 13th, International Sarcoma Day is commemorated.
- This type of tumor is divided into more than 70 subtypes.
- To date, it represents only 1% of all cases of tumors in adults.
Tumors maintain an upward trend throughout the world and one of their characteristics is that they can develop in any part of the body. But while there are some that are quite well known, there are also others that are rarely talked about. Within this second category is the sarcoma, considered one of the most mysterious types because so little is known to date about its causes.
Based on the foregoing, the July 13 as International Sarcoma Day. It is a date that seeks to raise awareness and inform about this type of neoplasia.
What is sarcoma?
Dr. Dale Shepard of Cleveland Clinic describes it as a malignant tumor that develops in the bones and/or soft tissues. These can start in soft tissues such as: fat (liposarcoma), muscle (rhabdomyosarcoma or leiomyosarcoma), nerves (peripheral nerve sheath tumors), fibrous tissue (fibrosarcoma), blood or lymphatic vessels (angiosarcoma) , and deep tissues of the skin (epitheloid sarcoma).
Currently there are There are more than 70 subtypes of sarcomas and their treatment depends on several factors. Some of the main ones are: type of tumor, size, location and diagnosis. The specialist adds that this type of tumor is very rare and represents only the one percent of all cancer diagnoses in adults and about 15 percent of childhood cancers.
Diagnosis and risk factors
The symptoms of this disease vary depending on the location of the tumor. For example, it is possible that some Sarcomas do not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. While some tumors may feel like a painless lump under the skin, others cause no discomfort until they grow large enough to press on an organ. Among the main signs to be taken into account:
- New lumps that may or may not cause discomfort.
- Pain in an extremity (arm/leg) or abdomen/pelvis.
- Trouble moving the arm or leg (limp or limited range of motion).
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Back pain.
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing this pathology, such as: exposure to chemicals (especially arsenic and certain chemicals used to make plastics, herbicides and wood preservatives). Also exposure to high doses of radiation from previous cancer treatments or genetic conditions in certain hereditary disorders and chromosomal mutations.
Procedures to treat this disease include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. In case of being diagnosed with sarcomait is important to discuss various prognosis and treatment options with your primary care physician.
On the other hand, the National Cancer Institute (INCan) points out that when the sarcoma is in an advanced stage, a multidisciplinary treatment is required. For these cases, the joint attention of a team made up of surgical oncologists, orthopedic oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, palliative care physicians and nutritionists.