Within the 70 types of sarcoma known today, there are a few large categories of the disease:
Ewing Family of Tumors: Found most often in the chest wall, legs, and pelvis, this group of three sarcoma types is most commonly found in children and teens.
Osteosarcomas: These cancers start in the bones and most often affect teens.
Rhabdomyosarcoma: Most commonly found in children, this form of sarcoma develops in the skeletal muscles that affect voluntary movement.
Soft Tissue Sarcomas: The most diverse group of sarcomas, of which there are 50 types, includes those found in the muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and lining of your joints.
Risk Factors Associated with Sarcoma
Unlike most other cancers, lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and smoking are not risk factors associated with sarcoma. Risk factors for sarcoma are related to certain gene mutations that may be inherited or develop over time. If you or a loved one are diagnosed with sarcoma, it is important to know if a certain gene mutation is involved in order to receive the best possible treatment for your sarcoma.
While what causes sarcoma to develop can be largely unknown, there are some common symptoms to be aware of, including: a lump that can be felt through the skin that may or may not be painful; bone pain; a broken bone that happens unexpectedly, such as with a minor injury or no injury at all; abdominal pain; and unexplained weight loss.
Early Diagnosis of Sarcoma is Key
Sarcoma treatment varies widely depending on the type of sarcoma a patient has, its location, and the stage at which it is found. Those who are diagnosed early have the best chance for a positive long-term prognosis. And, because many sarcomas predominantly affect children and teens, it is important to pay attention to sudden changes in behavior or mood that may give a clue that something is wrong.
“At Causenta, we concentrate on using state-of-the-art technology for both diagnosis and treatment,” says Dr. Tom Incledon, Founder & CEO of Causenta. “Our team works together to determine the best possible treatment for every patient keeping in mind their specific sarcoma details and overall health.”
Diagnostic tools such as physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are non-invasive and commonly used for determining if sarcoma is present. Biopsy, which is minimally invasive and takes a portion of tissue out of the body, can also be helpful for determining treatment options since it looks at the cells involved in the sarcoma. Any of these can be utilized for diagnosing all types of sarcoma.
For more information about personalized and holistic treatment options for sarcoma at Causenta, schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation today.