<p>“Sarcoma” is a scary-sounding word with a justified reputation. It’s a type of cancer that starts in the connective tissues of the body, and while it’s relatively rare compared to skin or breast cancer, it can be deadly. </p> <p>Sarcomas are an often misunderstood group of cancers, and Sarcoma Awareness Month is an apt time to shed some light. We’ve compiled the essential facts about sarcoma to promote awareness and encourage early detection.</p> <h2>What is sarcoma?</h2> <p>Sarcomas are rare tumors that affect the bone, cartilage, or soft tissues (muscle, nerves, fat, and so on). Soft tissue sarcomas compose 4 out of every 5 sarcoma cases, and more than half of these are found in the leg. </p> <figure><img src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/8okK0GS4o7/thumbnail.jpg" alt="Soft Tissue Sarcoma | Source: © 2023 Terese Winslow LLC, U.S. Govt. has certain rights" /> <figcaption>Soft Tissue Sarcoma. <em>Source: © 2023 Terese Winslow LLC, U.S. Govt. has certain rights</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Sarcomas are a diverse group of over 70 subtypes of cancer, and each subtype requires its own treatment approach. Children and young adults are overrepresented among patient populations. </p> <h3>Cell of origin</h3> <p>A distinguishing feature of sarcomas versus other forms of cancer is their cell of origin. Most other cancers develop from epithelial cells (internal organs and outer surfaces), while sarcomas develop from mesenchymal cells that form connective tissue (fat, blood vessels, nerves, bones, muscles, and cartilage). </p> <h2>Statistics on sarcoma</h2> <ul> <li>Sarcoma is rare, accounting for about 1% of all adult cancers and 15% of childhood cancers. This rarity contributes to a lack of general awareness and sometimes delays in diagnosis.</li> <li>This year, it’s expected that around 13,590 cases of soft tissue sarcomas will be diagnosed, along with 3,970 new cases of bone sarcomas.</li> <li>7,250 patients are expected to die from sarcomas in 2024.</li> <li>1,500–1,700 children are diagnosed with bone or soft tissue sarcomas every year in the US.</li> <li>The overall five-year survival rate for soft tissue sarcoma is around 65%, and for bone cancer, it’s 70%. The rate differs according to the subtype of your soft tissue or bone cancer.</li> </ul> <h2>The “young person’s cancer”</h2> <p>Sarcomas are unusual for a lot of reasons, one being that they can manifest practically anywhere on the body. But what is even more peculiar about sarcomas is that children and young adults get them more than adults and older people.</p> <h3>Why are children more vulnerable?</h3> <p>Why sarcomas develop in children is still a mystery, but there are theories.</p> <p>There are very rare genetic abnormalities that predispose kids to developing a sarcoma. Children with conditions like Maffucci syndrome or inherited Li-Fraumeni syndrome are at a heightened risk of developing certain types of cancer, sarcoma among them. </p> <p>Moreover, kids who receive radiation treatment for other types of cancer at a younger age appear to be more vulnerable to developing sarcoma later in life. Patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome are especially sensitive to this effect.</p> <p>In Ewing’s sarcoma and a soft tissue variety called rhabdomyosarcoma, researchers have found certain genetic mutations (“translocations”) that may be involved. Targeted therapies are being tested to address these genetic abnormalities, but as of yet, there has been no breakthrough.</p> <h2>Types of sarcomas</h2> <h3>Soft tissue sarcomas</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Liposarcoma.</strong> Originates in fat cells.</li> <li><strong>Leiomyosarcoma.</strong> Develops in smooth muscle tissue.</li> <li><strong>Rhabdomyosarcoma.</strong> Affects skeletal muscle.</li> <li><strong>Angiosarcoma. </strong>Starts in the lining of blood vessels.</li> <li><strong>Fibrosarcoma.</strong> Forms in fibrous tissue.</li> </ul> <h3>Bone sarcomas</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Osteosarcoma.</strong> Typically affects the long bones in the arms and legs, often in children and young adults.</li> <li><strong>Ewing sarcoma.</strong> Commonly found in the pelvis, legs, or arms, predominantly in adolescents and young adults.</li> <li><strong>Chondrosarcoma.</strong> Begins in cartilage cells. More frequent in older adults.</li> </ul> <figure> <figure><img src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/PqEMWju1q2/thumbnail.jpg" alt="Osteosarcoma | Source: Yousef Samir" /> <figcaption>Osteosarcoma of the Tibia (Leg Bone). <em>Source: Yousef Samir/Wikimedia</em></figcaption> </figure> </figure> <h2>What to look out for</h2> <p>Sarcomas have a habit of not causing symptoms for a long time until they become bigger and start pressing on muscle, a nerve, or an organ. If you notice any unusual lumps, always get them checked by a doctor. </p> <p>Signs of a sarcoma include:</p> <ul> <li>A lump that is growing</li> <li>You might be able to feel the lump through the skin. It may or may not be painful.</li> <li>The lump might be located deep in the body (not just under your skin). It may have returned after being surgically removed.</li> <li>Experiencing a limited range of motion in the affected area</li> <li>A cough or breathlessness</li> <li>Weight loss</li> <li>A broken bone that happens suspiciously easily through a minor injury</li> <li>Bone sarcomas can present as bone pain, particularly at night or with activity</li> <li>Abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation can indicate an abdominal sarcoma</li> </ul> <p>If you notice any of the above, get it checked out by a doctor. Sarcomas can be beaten if they’re found early enough as treatments are more effective at this time. Common treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, but the approach depends on the type, location, and stage of the cancer. </p><h2>More on Sarcoma</h2><ul><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/m7px89z1pm-childhood-soft-tissue-sarcoma" target="_blank">Childhood Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Types, Symptoms, Treatment</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/pwvvv5a07w-soft-tissue-sarcoma" target="_blank">Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Risk Factors, Symptoms, Treatment</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/2wzg43z0lj-bone-cancer" target="_blank">Bone Cancer: Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment</a></li></ul>