Can sarcoma cancer be cured? Surgery can help remove a tumor while minimizing the chances of recurrence. The surgeon must carefully remove the cancer while leaving a margin of healthy tissue. The surgery also aims to preserve as much normal anatomy as possible. Bones removed during the surgery can be replaced by artificial implants or donor tissue. Amputation may be necessary for some types of sarcoma.
The most common type of sarcoma is soft tissue sarcoma, which develops from cells that have similar characteristics. These cells are attached to the skeleton through tendons. Soft tissue sarcomas begin in the arms, legs, and trunk, while in the head, the cancer often forms in the head and neck. While the cancer often develops in the head and neck, there is a small chance that it will spread to other parts of the body.
Most people don’t experience any symptoms in the early stages of sarcoma. They simply notice a slow-growing mass in the affected area. If the tumor has grown to a size of a golf ball, the affected person may experience pain. A tumor that is large can also cause swelling and blood in the stool. If the tumor is close to the skin, it can damage the skin. These symptoms will prompt a visit to a doctor.
When should a sarcoma cancer be treated? The best way to decide is to know the stage it is at. In most cases, stage IIb sarcomas are easy to treat. Typically, the tumor is only a few centimeters in diameter. If the tumor is 5 cm or larger, it has not spread to lymph nodes or distant organs. If it has spread to lymph nodes or distant areas, it’s considered a stage IV tumor.
Some inherited conditions, such as von Recklinghausen disease and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, increase the risk of developing sarcoma. These diseases cause a greater risk of developing sarcoma than other cancers. Other causes of sarcoma are toxic exposure to chemicals. Some have been linked to occupational exposure, such as vinyl chloride, which is used in the manufacturing of plastics.
Different types of imaging tests are used to confirm a sarcoma cancer diagnosis. MRIs use powerful magnetic fields to produce detailed images of a tumor. They can also help determine the type of tissue a tumor contains. MRI images are more accurate than CT scans when it comes to sarcomas in the arms and legs. Ultrasounds are used to view different parts of the body and can also be used to determine whether a suspicious lump is a cyst or a cancer.
The chances of survival from a sarcoma cancer vary widely and depend on several factors. However, if detected early, the chances of cure are higher than if the cancer has spread to the bones. Treatment options vary and may help slow the spread of the cancer. While there are no known cures for sarcoma, many patients survive the disease and live for years. It’s best to consult a doctor if you suspect you have a sarcoma cancer.
