Sarcoma: An Overview of this Disease
Sarcomas are cancers that begin in connective tissue cells (fibroblasts, osteoblasts, etc.). They are malignant tumors that arise from connective tissue where they develop abnormal cells that do not function correctly. Sarcoma are classified according to their location (tissue) and how fast they grow. There are over 100 types of sarcomas. Sarcomas account for about 1-2% of cancer cases in humans.
Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Soft tissue sarcomas arise in any type of connective tissue including muscle and fat. The majority of these types occur in the extremities (arms and legs) and trunk, while others occur in organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, bladder, uterus, ovaries, prostate gland, testicles, thyroid glands, and brain.
Bone Sarcomas: The most common type of bone sarcoma is osteosarcoma, which occurs in the long bones (legs), pelvis, ribs, skull, jawbone, spine, and shoulder blade. Osteosarcomas are particularly aggressive and can metastasize (spread). Symptoms of osteosarcoma may include pain, swelling, redness, warmth, loss of function, and deformity.
The various causes of Sarcoma
A sarcoma is caused by uncontrolled cell division. Normal cells divide to make more normal cells. Cancerous cells do not stop dividing. They multiply rapidly and may invade nearby tissue. Sarcomas are cancerous cells that have lost control of their cell cycle. They continue to divide even after they should have stopped.
Not all sarcomas are cancerous. Benign sarcomas are slow-growing tumors that tend to stay put and do not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant sarcomas are aggressive, fast-growing tumors that often metastasize (spread) to distant sites throughout the body.
Sarcomas That Can Spread to Other Parts of Your Body
When sarcomas spread to other parts of our bodies, we call them metastases. Metastasis means “to travel” or “to go elsewhere.” When sarcomas spread, they move away from where they started and settle in other places in the body. Sarcomas that spread to other parts of us are called metastatic sarcomas.
Metastatic sarcomas can spread to the lung, bones, brain, or other organs. If sarcomas spread to the lungs, we call them pulmonary metastases. Lung metastases happen when sarcomas break off from the original tumor and enter the bloodstream. Then, these sarcomas float around until they find a place to land. Once they reach the lungs, they can cause problems like pneumonia. Bones are also a common site for sarcomas to spread. We call this kind of sarcoma bone metastasis. Bone metastases happen when sarcoma cells break off from the original sarcoma and enter
Risk Factors that are associated with Sarcoma
The following factors increase the risk of developing sarcoma:
- Family history of cancer
- History of radiation therapy
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- Occupational exposure to asbestos
- Certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes)
Understanding the various symptoms of Sarcoma
Symptoms of sarcomas may vary depending on what type of sarcoma you have. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes bleeding. Other symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Sarcomas often spread to nearby organs and lymph nodes. If sarcoma spreads to bones, it may cause fractures and deformities.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of sarcoma. Symptoms may include:
- Swelling and tenderness in the area where the tumor started
- Pain in the affected area
- Soreness in the knee or hip
- Weakness in the leg
- Difficulty walking
- Numbness in the leg
Diagnosis of Sarcoma
A diagnosis of sarcoma is based on a biopsy of the tumor. If the tumor is small, it may not need a biopsy. However, if the tumor is larger than 2 cm, a biopsy should be done. Biopsies are performed using local anesthesia. A needle is inserted into the tumor and liquid is withdrawn. Sometimes, a piece of the tumor is removed. After the biopsy, the area is examined to determine whether any additional tests are necessary.
If a sarcoma is suspected, imaging studies are often recommended. Imaging tests help doctors look inside the body to find out what is causing symptoms. These tests include X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, and ultrasound exams. Imaging tests may show changes in the size, shape, and density of the tumor.
Tests may include blood tests, urine tests, and genetic testing. Blood tests check for levels of certain substances in the blood. Urine tests examine the number of specific substances excreted in the urine. Genetic tests look for abnormalities in genes.
How to know if you have Sarcoma?
It can take months or even years before sarcomas become apparent. Once they do appear, early detection is critical to successful treatment. Your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history. He or she will also order tests to help determine if you have sarcoma. These tests include:
- X-rays – X-rays can reveal changes in bone structure and density.
- CT scan – A computed tomography (CT) scan uses x-ray technology to create detailed images of internal structures.
- MRI – An MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce high-quality images of the body.
- Biopsy – A biopsy is an invasive procedure where a small sample of cells is taken from the affected area(s) for examination under a microscope.
How you can treat Sarcoma? The Treatment Process
Treatment options depend on the type of tumor, its stage, and how fast it grows. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and supportive care. Surgery is the primary treatment option for sarcomas. It removes the tumor and nearby normal tissue.
- Surgery: Surgery is the first line of treatment for sarcoma patients. If surgery is not possible due to location, size, or type of sarcoma, then radiation therapy may be used.
- Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. It works best if the tumor is small and close to the skin surface.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs work by killing cancer cells. Drugs are given intravenously (through veins) or orally (in pill form).
- Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific parts of the body’s DNA. These drugs are designed to block certain genes that cause cancer.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the immune system to fight cancer. Cancer vaccines use substances called antigens to stimulate the immune system. Researchers are studying immunotherapy drugs for sarcoma.
- Biological Response Modifiers: Biological response modifiers are natural substances that help the immune system fight cancer. Examples include interferon alpha, interleukins, colony-stimulating factors, and monoclonal antibodies.
- Other Treatments: Other treatments for sarcoma include bone marrow transplants, stem cell transplants, and gene therapy.
Where can you find sarcoma in the human body?
You can find them in the below types and areas:
- Head & Neck Sarcoma: Head and neck sarcomas are cancers that develop in the head and neck region. You can see these types of cancer in older adults.
- Lung Sarcoma: Lung sarcomas are cancers of the lung that begin in the cells lining the airways. Most people who have lung sarcomas do not know they have them until they experience symptoms. Symptoms of lung sarcomas include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, weight loss, fever, and fatigue.
- Breast Cancer: The second leading cause of death among women is breast cancer.
- Stomach Cancer: Stomach cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer in the world. It occurs when abnormal cells divide without control and spread throughout the body. People who are at risk for stomach cancer include those who have chronic ulcers, gastritis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Colon Cancer: Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women combined. It begins when normal colon cells become damaged and start dividing uncontrollably. Risk factors for colon cancer include age, family history, diet, obesity, physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, and certain medications.
- Prostate Cancer: The majority of prostate cancer cases occur in men. Prostate cancer develops when prostate cells grow out of control. Men over 50 years old are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer than younger men.
- Skin Cancer: Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. It starts when skin cells grow out of control and multiply rapidly. Non-melanoma and melanoma are the two main types of skin cancer. Melanomas are skin cancers that originate in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Non-melanoma skin cancers are cancers that do not originate in melanocytes.
Sarcomas may affect any organ system in the body. The survival rates vary depending on the type of sarcoma. However, the five-year survival rate for patients with localized sarcomas is approximately 70%. Sarcomas can recur after surgery if they have spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Patients who undergo surgery to remove primary sarcoma tumors have a higher chance of survival than those who do not receive surgical intervention.