Sarcomas are usually malignant tumors. They can occur in both soft tissue and bone. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, different treatment methods are possible. Here you will find selected sarcoma specialists for the treatment of sarcomas as well as further information.
A sarcoma is a rare, usually malignant growth that often develops in soft tissue. The earlier a sarcoma is detected and treated, the better the chances of recovery.
Bone tumors occur in around 0.1 percent of adults, while soft tissue sarcomas affect around one percent.
There are a total of 79 different types of soft tissue sarcoma. Just over 60 of them are considered malignant and are therefore capable of forming metastases. This means that they can spread throughout the body and damage other organs.
However, there are also sarcomas that only grow locally. These are referred to as intermediate sarcomas.
There are the following types of soft tissue sarcomas, among others:
There are the following types of bone sarcoma:
The specific development of sarcomas has not been conclusively clarified. However, there appear to be various risk factors that can at least promote it:
In the case of bone sarcomas, on the other hand, genetic causes can favor their development.
Illustration of a chondrosarcoma that forms on the thigh bone © rumruay | AdobeStock
Many sarcomas initially appear as a swelling that does not cause any pain. However, if left untreated, pain or functional limitations of the affected body part may occur at a later stage.
If the tumor has been present for a very long time, weight loss may also be the result.
If a sarcoma is suspected, imaging procedures such as an MRI can provide information.
To ensure that a sarcoma can be identified as such without any doubt, the doctors carry out a biopsy. Tissue is removed from the patient and then examined. This diagnosis applies to all forms of tumor.
Further examinations are then carried out to provide information about possible metastases. Sarcomas usually spread via the bloodstream. This means that metastases can also occur in other organs, such as the lungs.
The treatment of a sarcoma depends, among other things, on its stage at diagnosis.
The assessment of the tumors also plays a major role. The sarcomas are differentiated from each other in terms of their composition. If, for example, the cells of the tumor and the tissue are very similar, then they are differentiated tumor cells. Undifferentiated tumor cells are usually so degenerated that their origin can no longer be determined.
In principle, there are several therapy options for treating sarcoma. For example, if it is a differentiated sarcoma of moderate size, surgical removal may be sufficient.
If complete removal is not possible, or if the tumor cells are undifferentiated, radiotherapy after surgery is indicated.
In the case of soft tissue sarcomas, chemotherapy may also be used under certain circumstances. In the case of inoperable sarcomas, it can reduce the growth to such an extent that surgery is still possible. Chemotherapy may be combined with radiotherapy.
Hyperthermia is another method, although its effect has not been proven. Here, the tumor is treated with high levels of heat radiation.
In contrast, chemotherapy is generally always used for bone sarcomas, both before and after surgery.
There is no general answer to the question of the chances of recovery from a sarcoma. The prognosis depends on several factors, including
Regular check-ups after treatment are also important for the prognosis. Check-ups are carried out very closely at the beginning. This allows the doctors to react quickly in the event of a relapse or new metastases.
As part of the follow-up care, it is checked whether other organs may have been damaged.
Cure can only be achieved if the patient remains free of new findings for a period of five years. However, this is also no guarantee that problems will not occur again at a later date.
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