What is a sarcoma?

A sarcoma is a cancer that grows in the soft tissue of the body, such as in muscle or fat. This kind of cancer can grow in the soft tissue of any part of the body. It is rare and occurs equally in men and women.

About 40% of sarcomas occur in the legs, 20% in the arms, 20% in the trunk (the body apart from the head, arms, and legs), and the rest in the head, neck, or abdominal wall.

Sarcomas tend to metastasize (spread). When a tumor spreads, it releases cancer cells that travel through the bloodstream and lymph system and lodge in other parts of the body, where they begin to grow new tumors.

How does it occur?

The cause of sarcomas is unknown. However, people who have had other types of cancer in the past seem to have a greater risk of developing a sarcoma. One type of sarcoma, called Kaposi's sarcoma, is common in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptom of sarcoma is a lump. Depending on the site of the cancer, it may or may not cause pain.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will diagnose sarcoma by taking your medical history, reviewing your symptoms, and examining you. In addition, your doctor may order these tests:

• x-rays

• CT scan (computed tomography)

• biopsy.

How is it treated?

Treatment of sarcoma may include:

• removal of the tumor by surgery

• removal of the tumor and surrounding lymph nodes by surgery

• radiation therapy: high doses of radiation directed against the tumor to destroy or shrink it

• chemotherapy: a combination of anticancer drugs given to destroy cancer cells.

If the tumor is large and it is necessary to remove a lot of tissue and skin around the tumor, your doctor may use skin grafts to cover the area.

How long will the effects last?

The chance of cure varies, depending on:

• how large the tumor is

• where it is located

• how fast it is growing

• whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

How can I take care of myself?

The chance of curing a sarcoma increases if it is found and treated early. Report any abnormal thickening or lump in any part of your body to your doctor as soon as possible.

After treatment the doctor will recommend regular checkups for at least 2 to 3 years. It is important to follow your doctor's recommendations so that he or she can find and treat any recurrence as early as possible.