Sarcoma is a rare form of cancer that originates in cells located in the bone or the soft tissues of the body. Because there are so many of these soft tissues, including muscles, nerves, blood vessels and fat, there are many types of sarcomas. When this type of cancer develops in the bone, it is called an osteosarcoma. Though it is considered rare in comparison to other cancerous diseases, it does affect individuals of all ages and actually comprises approximately 15 percent of all childhood cancers.
Depending on the grade of the cancerous tumor in question, the attending doctor may suggest one or more types of treatment over an extended period of time. The grade of a sarcoma is the single most important factor in determining a patient's ultimate risk. This grade plays a critical role in deciding which treatment or combination of treatments will be most effective in the eradication of the disease.
For most soft tissue tumors that measure fewer than two inches in diameter and are located in the limbs, surgery alone is effective in the complete removal of the mass. In some cases, a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is administered to control the growth of the tumor or to reduce the patient's pain. Pain relieving medications may also be prescribed, particularly to patients whose tumors have spread to distant sites within the body. In most cases, this represents a stage at which curing the patient is considered highly unlikely and the management of symptoms becomes the first priority.
Patients are advised to follow treatment instructions precisely in order to reduce the risk of complications and recurrence. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes or any other medical condition that may affect your recovery after surgery or during radiation. When detected early enough and properly treated by a soft tissue or bone cancer specialist, this type of disease can be effectively managed and even completely eradicated in certain areas of the body. Because these masses can grow deep inside the many tissues within the body, you may not experience any symptoms until the tumor has grown to a substantial size. The best way to protect yourself from an advanced stage disease is to see your primary care physician regularly for routine checkups every year.