Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Sarcomas are a group of cancers that start in the bones or
the soft tissues (muscle, fat, and fibrous tissues). They are rare tumours, and
make up only 1% of cancers in adults.
Diagnosis
When a sarcoma is suspected, a series of tests are performed to identify the stage of the tumour. This involves MRI and CT scans and X-rays to identify the extent of the cancer in the area where it has started, and whether or not there has been spread to other parts of the body. To work out the exact type of cancer that is present, a sample (known as a biopsy) needs to be removed. Sometimes this is performed with a small operation, while other times a needle can be inserted into the cancer and a sample removed.
Treatment
Treatment of sarcomas requires the involvement of a team including surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, nurses, physiotherapists along with many others. This is known as a multidisciplinary team (MDT), and members of this team will often work together alongside each other in a specialised clinic. In the background, other specialists, such as pathologists and radiologists help with the interpretation of tests such as biopsies and scans.
Treatment for people with sarcoma is individualised. This means that they type of treatment that someone receives may be different to another person with the same disease because of differences in age, other illnesses, preferences, and the precise extent and nature of their cancer. In general, however, sarcomas are treated with surgical removal. Often, chemotherapy is given before and/or after an operation to remove a sarcoma, and radiation therapy is also used on occasions. If you are a patient, it is important to discuss the treatment options that may be available to you with your treating team.