Not Just Another Lump: Understand Sarcoma, The Hidden Cancer
Dr. Santosh Kumar Chellapuram
Table of Contents
- What Exactly Is Sarcoma?
- What Causes Sarcoma?
- Some Common Symptoms of SarcomaHow Is Sarcoma Diagnosed?
- Stages of Sarcoma:
- Living with Sarcoma: Coping and Thriving
- The Importance of Early Detection and Right Intervention
When we hear the word “cancer,” most of us think of breast, lung, or blood cancers. But there’s one silent fighter that rarely makes headlines—Sarcoma. Though rare, it’s aggressive and often goes undiagnosed until it's too late. Globally, sarcoma accounts for about 1% of adult cancers and a whopping 15% of childhood cancers. With over 480,000 new cases reported every year, it’s time we shine a light on this lesser-known cancer.
Scroll down to learn what sarcoma is exactly. Which parts of the body does it target? Why is it considered so dangerous—and how can we spot it before it’s too late?
What Exactly Is Sarcoma?
Sarcoma is not just one disease—it’s a group of rare cancers that begin in the connective tissues of our body. Think of tissues that support and connect everything inside us: bones, muscles, fat, nerves, and cartilage. That’s where sarcoma quietly begins.
There are two major types:
One of the biggest challenges? The early signs are often vague—such as a small, painless lump or a slight discomfort—which means many people delay seeking medical attention. But the longer it goes unnoticed, the more dangerous it becomes.
What Causes Sarcoma?
Like many other cancers, the exact cause of sarcoma is unknown. A mutation in cell DNA, causing rapid and uncontrolled growth, results in the formation of a tumour, which turns cancerous. As the tumour grows, it presses on the nearby organs and nerves, causing pain and functional abnormalities. Sometimes the tumour cells also break away and spread to other parts of the body, in a process called metastasis.
The following are some factors that increase the risk of sarcoma:
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Genetic conditions: Some health conditions that are passed down from parents to children, like Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis, and familial retinoblastoma, increase one’s risk of developing sarcoma.
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Radiation therapy: Undergoing radiation treatment for conditions like cancer increases the risk of sarcoma.
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Exposure to viruses or certain chemicals: Certain viruses (like Human Herpes Virus 8) and chemicals increase the risk of sarcoma, especially in those with a weak immune system.
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Chronic Swelling: This condition, known as lymphedema, is caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system. Lymphedema increases the risk of sarcoma.
Some Common Symptoms of Sarcoma:
Signs and symptoms vary depending on the location and type of sarcoma. Some common warning signs include:
How Is Sarcoma Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is through a combination of methods like physical examination, imaging tests and biopsy. After examining the affected area, your doctor may recommend a CT scan, MRI, or PET Scan to obtain visual images. A biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis by testing a tissue sample from the affected area. Considering the hidden nature of the disease and often mild symptoms in the early stages, many sarcomas are diagnosed only after they have progressed, highlighting the need for public education and early detection strategies.
Once Sarcoma is diagnosed, the oncologist grades the disease according to the stage of progression:
Stages of Sarcoma:
The grading of sarcoma is done to understand the progression of the disease and determine the treatments that will work best.
Treatment Options:
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Surgery- Removing the tumour with a focus on preserving the bone function
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Radiation therapy- Pre and post-surgery to manage the growth of cancer cells
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Chemotherapy- Especially used in aggressive cases of Osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma
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Targeted therapy- Emerging option for certain subtypes of sarcoma
To prevent relapses and enhance the quality of life after recovery, patients may be required to take physical therapy and receive regular check-ups.
Living with Sarcoma: Coping and Thriving
A sarcoma diagnosis can be overwhelming, but many people go on to lead productive lives with proper support and care. To manage life after diagnosis, patients and their caretakers need to work together and focus on various aspects of living.
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Physical Recovery: Physiotherapy for mobility, strength, and pain management.
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Emotional Support: Mental health support for managing anxiety and fear of recurrence
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Lifestyle and Nutrition: Maintain a diet focused on rebuilding body strength and preventing inflammation. Avoid alcohol and smoking and maintain an optimum amount of physical activity.
The Importance of Early Detection and Right Intervention
Sarcoma is called the hidden cancer because of its rarity and difficulty in diagnosis. Early detection is the most crucial element in treating sarcoma, as it is with many other types of cancer. Early detection makes treatment easy, less aggressive and more effective. When cancer is prevented from spreading to different parts of the body, it significantly increases the survival rates.
If you are constantly bothered by bone or joint pain, get checkups done to rule out the possibility of sarcoma. If you or your loved ones are diagnosed with sarcoma, the first step is to accept the situation and make strategies to cope. Remember to be proactive and seek treatment promptly.
Every year, July is observed as Sarcoma Cancer Awareness Month, recognising the obscure and mysterious nature of the disease and the lack of awareness about it in the general public. At STAR Hospitals, you have all these services under one roof, starting from advanced diagnosis technologies to international-level treatment facilities and counselling to help you navigate the difficult phase of life. The professionals at STAR Hospitals, including doctors and dedicated nurses, are trained to prioritize patients’ needs first and offer only the best service to anyone in need. Make use of the best Oncology department in Hyderabad to tackle even the rarest of cancers.
Visit STAR Hospitals, ensure your life is in able hands, ready to serve and succeed.
