About Sarcoma
Sarcomas are rare tumors that arise in the connective tissue of the body. Connective tissue consists of fat, bone, muscle, blood vessels, nerves and fibrous tissues. Sarcomas represent 1% of all adult cancers and 15% of all solid cancers in children. There are more than 70 different types of sarcomas. They are divided into two main groups: bone sarcomas and soft-tissue sarcomas. These groups are then further subclassified based on the type of connective tissue cell found in the tumor. Because connective tissue is located all over the human body, sarcomas can arise anywhere in the body. However, the majority (60%) occur in the extremities (arms or legs). Other locations are less common, with 20% arising in the abdomen from solid organs or intestines/viscera (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors or leiomyosarcoma), or retroperitoneum (back of the abdomen), 10% in the trunk and 10% in the head and neck area.
Common symptoms are dependent upon location and sarcoma which are closer to the surface usually present sooner than deeper sarcomas; however, swelling or a painless growing mass is often the first presenting sign. One-third of patients complain of pain at the time of diagnosis. Extremity sarcomas often present with a growing mass in the thigh. Patients with sarcomas in the abdomen may present with abdominal fullness, pain, poor appetite, nausea or vomiting. Other symptoms include anemia and bleeding. Any one of these signs does not definitively mean the patient has a sarcoma, but should warrant an evaluation by your doctor.
The most common type of soft-tissue sarcoma is liposarcoma followed by leiomyosarcoma. Liposarcomas commonly arise from a malignant form of fatty tissue in the extremity or the back of the abdomen. Leiomyosarcomas arise from a malignant form of smooth muscle and can occur anywhere including the abdomen, extremities, posterior abdomen, womb, blood vessels or skin, Sarcomas that arise in the gastrointestinal tract are referred to as Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors or GIST. These tumors more commonly present in the stomach, but can occur anywhere from esophagus to rectum.
Bone cancers such as osteosarcoma are rare and account for only 2,500 cases per year in the United States. The most common type of bone cancer is osteosarcoma followed by Ewings sarcoma, both of which are usually found in children. Another type of primary bone cancer is chondrosarcoma, which is found in the cartilage and is more common in adults. Patients with bone sarcomas often present with a painful mass near a joint which may cause difficulty moving the affected extremity. Other symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, fever, or anemia.
Sarcoma Program Team
At Moffitt's sarcoma center our multidisciplinary team of physicians and experts work collaboratively to manage the diagnosis and treatment of these rare cancers. Our sarcoma treatment team consists of orthopedic oncology surgeons, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, physician assistants, registered nurses and other health care professionals working together to provide state of the art, individualized care for each sarcoma patient.
Our multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with sarcoma offers the best possible chance for cure, quality of life and rehabilitation.
Our sarcoma treatment team meets weekly during the multidisciplinary Sarcoma conference to review the diagnostic findings for each patient. This meeting is an opportunity to design a personalized care plan for each sarcoma patient. The team also uses this time to address the often complex issues surrounding the management of each Sarcoma patient. Patients are also reviewed for clinical trial participation as research is at the forefront of our mission of treating and curing Sarcoma.