Surgery can remove a tumor or cancer cells, preventing the cancer from spreading. Surgery can be combined with other cancer treatments, such as radiation.
Sarcoma is a relatively rare form of cancer. About1% of adult cancer, diagnoses and 21% of childhood cancers are sarcomas. Learn more about this type of cancer and how it is treated.
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Unlike the more common carcinomas, which grow in the protective layers of the body, sarcomas start in connective tissue. Connective tissue is what binds and supports other tissues in the body. Examples include tendons, bones, muscles, ligaments, nerves, fat, blood cells, and cartilage. Once cancer cells develop in these areas, they can form a tumor. Left untreated, cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body.
There are more than 100 subtypes and types of sarcoma. However, for simplicity, sarcomas are divided into two main types — soft tissue sarcoma and bone sarcoma.
As their names suggest, soft tissue sarcomas start in soft tissues such as muscle. Bone sarcomas start in bones. Bone sarcomas include osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, chordoma, and other cancers. Soft tissue sarcomas are more common in adults, while bone sarcomas are more common in children.
You should see a doctor if you notice any of these signs and symptoms:
These signs and symptoms don’t automatically mean you have cancer, and they can indicate other conditions. To diagnose you, your doctor will ask about your family’s medical history to determine if genetics can put you at risk of cancer. Your doctor may also request imaging scans, such as an MRI or bone scan.
If your doctor sees a tumor and suspects sarcoma or another type of cancer, they may request a biopsy. In this process, a sample of tumor cells is taken and tested to determine whether it is cancerous.
If you are diagnosed with a sarcoma and seek treatment at The Oncology Institute, our team will consider each aspect of your situation to determine a customized treatment plan. We will also consider your and your family’s needs and medical history.
Depending on these factors and more, your treatment plan could include one or all of the following:
Surgery can remove a tumor or cancer cells, preventing the cancer from spreading. Surgery can be combined with other cancer treatments, such as radiation.
In this treatment, radiation oncologists use high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation treatment can be used before and after surgery to shrink tumors and kill remaining cancer cells. It can also be used with other treatments if you are not a candidate for surgery.
Chemotherapy involves taking medication through an IV or orally to kill cancer cells. This treatment can be used alone or with surgery, and it’s the commonly-recommended option if your cancer has spread.
This therapy encourages your own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells, thereby slowing their spread.
Targeted therapy uses medication to kill cancer cells while sparing more of your healthy cells.
If your cancer is hormone-sensitive, this therapy can prevent hormones from reaching the cancer cells that need hormones to grow.
Clinical trials let you contribute to cancer research while you potentially access cutting-edge treatments. Clinical trials may be an option if you are not eligible for other treatments or if other treatments have been ineffective. At The Oncology Institute, we partner with Helios Research to offer you a clinical trial program.
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At The Oncology Institute, our team works closely to empower you and to create a tailored treatment plan. No two cancers are the same, so we always develop a custom plan and adjust it as needed. We also offer a range of supportive services, including blood transfusions, compassionate counseling, and other services to help you as you navigate living with cancer. If you are ready for cutting-edge cancer treatment that puts you first, request an appointment at The Oncology Institute.