Sarcomas and Bone Cancer - What you need to know:
By Ann Morrell RN, Health Writer
Sarcomas are a rare type of cancer that form in bone, muscle, nerve, tendon, and other soft tissues in the body. Sarcomas occur when immature bone or soft tissue cells have a change in their DNA and become malformed. These eventually form a mass which affects nearby tissue. These tumors form most commonly in the torso, legs or arms and are rare in adults, accounting for less than 1% of adult cancer diagnosis. Most adult sarcomas are soft tissue sarcomas originating in soft tissue such as prostate, kidney, and brain.
Bone cancer refers to a group of cancers which form in bone tissue. There are several types of bone cancer including Osteosarcoma, Ewing’s Sarcoma and Chondrosarcoma: all of which primarily affect children. Although any bone can grow these sarcomas, the thigh, upper arm, and shin bone are most common. The term “primary” bone cancer refers to cancer that starts and remains in the bone tissue while “metastatic” bone cancer refers to cancer that has spread to the bone tissue from another source. The goal of screening is to gain treatment before cancer cells spread (metastasize).
Approximately 1500-1700 new childhood cases of these sarcomas are diagnosed each year. There are over 70 subtypes of sarcoma accounting for 16,000 sarcoma diagnosis per year in the US. Although rare, any lump or unexplained bump (especially children) calls for a further investigation and even a visit to your provider. Isn’t it better to get assessed and rule out something more serious than to miss the signs and lose valuable time needed for treatment?
Risk Factors for developing these cancers include:
Symptoms to look for include:
Sarcomas can mimic injuries and therefore go unnoticed, especially in children. It is important to check with your provider if you notice any changes or new unexplained lumps or bumps with or without redness and pain. When in doubt, get a medical assessment. Early diagnosis is so important as these cancers respond well to treatments which can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and often surgery. Your provider will have more information about which treatment is best for your specific situation.
It is easy to ignore a painless lump or bump especially when you are busy with activities and our short summer, but we would like to stress that a visit to your provider and a simple x-ray to rule out something more serious can be peace of mind and allow you to carry on with your summer or pursue more information if needed.
By Ann Morrell RN, Health Writer
Sarcomas are a rare type of cancer that form in bone, muscle, nerve, tendon, and other soft tissues in the body. Sarcomas occur when immature bone or soft tissue cells have a change in their DNA and become malformed. These eventually form a mass which affects nearby tissue. These tumors form most commonly in the torso, legs or arms and are rare in adults, accounting for less than 1% of adult cancer diagnosis. Most adult sarcomas are soft tissue sarcomas originating in soft tissue such as prostate, kidney, and brain.
Bone cancer refers to a group of cancers which form in bone tissue. There are several types of bone cancer including Osteosarcoma, Ewing’s Sarcoma and Chondrosarcoma: all of which primarily affect children. Although any bone can grow these sarcomas, the thigh, upper arm, and shin bone are most common. The term “primary” bone cancer refers to cancer that starts and remains in the bone tissue while “metastatic” bone cancer refers to cancer that has spread to the bone tissue from another source. The goal of screening is to gain treatment before cancer cells spread (metastasize).
Approximately 1500-1700 new childhood cases of these sarcomas are diagnosed each year. There are over 70 subtypes of sarcoma accounting for 16,000 sarcoma diagnosis per year in the US. Although rare, any lump or unexplained bump (especially children) calls for a further investigation and even a visit to your provider. Isn’t it better to get assessed and rule out something more serious than to miss the signs and lose valuable time needed for treatment?
Risk Factors for developing these cancers include:
- exposure to certain toxins like plastics, wood preservatives (phenols) and herbicides- all very common in our modern world
- exposure to radiation such as radiation therapy for another condition
- lymphedema and certain genetic conditions are linked to sarcomas as well
Symptoms to look for include:
- a new lump with or without pain
- new unexplained back pain
- unexplained weight loss
- reduced range of motion of an arm or leg
- swelling, pain or redness unexplained
- fatigue, fever, or weakness
Sarcomas can mimic injuries and therefore go unnoticed, especially in children. It is important to check with your provider if you notice any changes or new unexplained lumps or bumps with or without redness and pain. When in doubt, get a medical assessment. Early diagnosis is so important as these cancers respond well to treatments which can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and often surgery. Your provider will have more information about which treatment is best for your specific situation.
It is easy to ignore a painless lump or bump especially when you are busy with activities and our short summer, but we would like to stress that a visit to your provider and a simple x-ray to rule out something more serious can be peace of mind and allow you to carry on with your summer or pursue more information if needed.