Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. Common symptoms include:
A palpable lump or swelling, which may or may not be painful.
Pain, especially if the sarcoma is pressing on nerves or other structures.
Limited range of motion, especially if the sarcoma is near a joint.
Fatigue.
Unexplained weight loss.
Causes
The exact causes of most sarcomas are unknown. However, several factors have been linked to an increased risk, including:
Genetic syndromes: Certain inherited conditions, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and neurofibromatosis, increase the risk.
Previous radiation therapy: Radiation treatment for other cancers can increase the risk of sarcomas later in life.
Chemical exposures: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as vinyl chloride, has been linked to an increased risk.
Lymphedema: Chronic swelling of the limbs can increase the risk of angiosarcoma.
Viruses: Some viruses, such as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), have been linked to Kaposi sarcoma.
Medicine Used
Treatment for sarcoma typically involves a combination of:
Surgery: To remove the tumor.
Radiation therapy: To kill cancer cells remaining after surgery or to shrink the tumor before surgery.
Chemotherapy: To kill cancer cells throughout the body. Common chemotherapy drugs include doxorubicin, ifosfamide, and others, depending on the sarcoma type.
Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth, such as kinase inhibitors.
Immunotherapy: Drugs that boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.
Is Communicable
Sarcomas are not communicable. They are not caused by infectious agents and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Since the causes of most sarcomas are unknown, there are no definitive precautions that can guarantee prevention. However, minimizing exposure to known risk factors, such as unnecessary radiation and certain chemicals, may be beneficial. Individuals with genetic syndromes that increase the risk of sarcoma should undergo regular screening.
How long does an outbreak last?
Sarcoma is not an infectious disease and does not have outbreaks. It is a cancer that develops in an individual. The duration of the disease, or a patient's cancer journey, depends on the stage at diagnosis, the type of sarcoma, the treatments used, and the individual's response to treatment. It can range from months to many years.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Physical exam: To assess the lump or swelling.
Imaging tests: Such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and PET scans, to visualize the tumor and determine its size and location.
Biopsy: A sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of sarcoma.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary greatly.
Early stages: Often, there are no symptoms, or the symptoms are mild, such as a small, painless lump.
Progression: As the tumor grows, symptoms become more pronounced, such as increased pain, limited range of motion, and swelling.
Advanced stages: Symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, and symptoms related to metastasis (spread) to other parts of the body.
Important Considerations
Sarcomas are rare cancers and require specialized treatment at centers with experience in sarcoma care.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
Treatment decisions should be made by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including surgeons, oncologists, and radiation oncologists.
Clinical trials may offer access to new and promising treatments.
Long-term follow-up is important to monitor for recurrence or late effects of treatment.