5 FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT SARCOMA

Sarcomas are cancers that start in bone, muscle, connective tissue, blood vessels or fat, and can be found anywhere in the body. In general, there are two types of sarcoma: soft tissue sarcoma and bone sarcoma with more than 50 different sub-types. Since July is the Sarcoma awareness month, here are 5 facts you need to know about this type of “forgotten cancer” as it is named.

1 Sarcomas are difficult to detect and diagnose

Because they are so rare and can take multiple forms in multiple locations, sarcomas are difficult to detect and often misdiagnosed. In their early stages, soft tissue sarcomas rarely display any symptoms other than a painless lump. As the tumor grows, pain may occur depending on where the tumor is located, or if it presses on nearby nerves.

2 For most sarcomas, the cause is not known

Although there are no known risk factors for sarcoma, certain genetic conditions, radiation exposure and some chemicals may increase the risk of developing sarcoma in some individuals. Genetic conditions such as Neurofibromatosis, Gardner syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Retinoblastoma, Werner syndrome, Gorlin syndrome, tuberous sclerosis and damage to the lymph system can increase the risk of developing sarcoma.

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3 Sarcoma can develop nearly anywhere in the body

Common areas sarcoma tumors grow in include the legs, hands, arms, head, neck, chest, shoulders, abdomen and hips. About 50%-60% of soft tissue sarcomas occur in extremities (arms and legs).

4 Sarcomas are rare

Sarcomas are rare in adults and make up approximately 1% of all adult cancer diagnoses. They are relatively more common among children. Between 1,500 and 1,700 children are diagnosed with a bone or soft tissue sarcoma in the U.S. each year. This makes up about 15% of cancers in children under the age of 20.

5 If you’ve been diagnosed with sarcoma, get a second opinion

With a rare and complex cancer, such as sarcoma, it is important to seek the best possible care to improve your chance of survival. Many doctors have never seen or treated a patient with sarcoma. Get a second opinion from a doctor that specializes in sarcoma about the initial diagnosis and the treatment plan, even if you are being treated at a major cancer center. Using advanced genomic and molecular technologies, NFCR-funded research has made significant discoveries in the development of and treatment for sarcoma.

What do you know about Sarcoma?

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