What is Sarcoma? How do I see those signs?

Cancer mind can make you feel anxious or anxious, and sarcoma is no exception. Even so, when you know about Sarcoma – or any type of cancer – it can help calm your mind.

Most people don’t know the sarcoma:

• This is different from other cancers
• Rare, but there are 70 different types and subtypes
• Sarcoma Expert group into two main categories of soft tissue and bone sarcoma
• Some grow fast, while others grow slowly

Sarcoma tumors can start deep in your body, and the tumor may not be painful, so the initial symptoms are not always easily recognized.

Read on so that you will know what Sarcoma is and what to do if you might have it. If you have or suspect cancer, UVA cancer centers and sarcoma understandings at UVA Health are here for you.

Sarcoma 101

What is Sarcoma? If it’s new for you, you are not alone. Sarcoma is the term umbrella for a group of cancers that can grow in connective tissue in your bones, fats, muscles, and cartilage. This is relatively rare: in the US, only about 1% of adult cancer diagnosed every year is sarcoma. In children and adolescents, sarcoma forms about 15% of the diagnosis of cancer.

Soft tissue sarcoma can begin in your blood vessels, fats, nerves, muscles, and fibrous tendons that connect your muscles to your bones. Sarcoma can develop in the tissue in almost anywhere in the body, such as the stomach or uterus.

Bone sarcoma often begins in bones that grow fast in children. However, they can develop in other bones in children and adults.

At UVA Health, Sarcoma specialists are regional leaders in learning and caring for sarcoma. Their work includes clinical trials to develop and test the effectiveness of new therapy. The multispesion team offers several of the latest and most effective treatment options for challenging cancer, but can be treated.

Things that can increase your sarcoma risk

Experts have not found one cause of clear soft tissue or bone sarcoma. According to the American Cancer Society, potential risk factors for developing sarcoma include:

• Chemical exposure. High exposure to certain chemicals can increase the risk of certain types of sarcoma. Potential chemical risk factors include:
  • Vinyl chloride (used in plastic)
  • Dioxin (industrial waste)
• Radiation exposure. Sarcoma sometimes develops for 10 years after recurring radiation doses. This can include radiation therapy for breast cancer or other types of cancer. However, modern radiation therapy is more targeted and appropriate, which helps limit the exposure of overall radiation.

• Inherited genetic risk. Certain types of cancer and cancer risk factors can run in your family. The history of the family sarcoma or certain genes can increase your risk. If you have this genetic condition or other, or family history of this condition, you may have a higher risk of sarcoma:
• Lymph system disorders. Your lymph nodes carry clear lymph fluid throughout your body to help fight disease. If your lymph nodes have been removed or damaged by radiation or other injuries, lymph fluid can accumulate and cause swelling (lymphedema). Over time, this can increase the risk of your disease, including sarcoma.

Sarcoma cancer can be cunning

Signs of sarcoma can be silent or smooth at first. Symptoms depend on where the tumor is located and whether it is soft tissue sarcoma or bone sarcoma.

Some sarcoma start deep in connective tissue, such as in the abdominal or uterus. The other can make it look as if one muscle in the arm or leg is slightly larger than the muscles on the other side.

Depending on the type and location of the tumor, you may not realize it until it grows bigger or pressing the nerves, organs, and tissues nearby. It was never too early to ask your care provider about unusual symptoms or lumps, especially if it starts to be bigger.

Don’t ignore early warning signs

Don’t delay asking your provider about this or other unusual changes:

• Stomach swelling or discomfort
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Abdominal pain or vomiting
• Constipation
• Coughing or shortness of breath
• Fragile bones that break easily
• Growing a waist that is not related to excessive changes or diet
• Lumps in any part of your body
• One arm muscle or leg is bigger than the other
• Pain in your stomach, pelvis, stem, or back
• Pain or swelling that makes it difficult to move the joints
• Persistent bone pain anywhere in your body
• Swelling in the arms, legs, or other parts of your body

What to do if you suspect sarcoma

Sarcoma is a scary disease, but can be treated when you have the right specialist to guide you. Ask your provider immediately about unusual signs and symptoms. Diagnosis and early treatment helps make this condition more easily managed.

If a biopsy (seeing a tissue sample under a microscope) confirms Sarcoma, your UVA health care team will guide you through the latest treatment options and other details. Treatment usually includes surgery to remove tumors and other therapies, such as radiation and chemotherapy.

At UVA Health, you will also have access to the latest innovations, including stem cell therapy and further procedures to evaluate and treat sarcoma. Multispecialty Sarcoma Tumor Council provides special sustainable guidelines for your personal conditions and care needs.

When you know what to do and who can help, you will have all the answers you need. Simply asking for a promise to meet and take a sigh of relief. Your health is in good hands.