Sarcoma: Information and Sarcoma Specialists

A sarcoma is a rare, usually malignant tumor that often develops in soft tissue. The earlier a sarcoma is detected and treated, the better the chances of recovery.

Bone tumors occur in about 0.1 percent of adults, while soft tissue sarcomas affect about one percent.

There are a total of 79 different types of soft tissue sarcomas. Just over 60 of them are considered malignant and are therefore capable of forming metastases. This means they can spread throughout the body and damage other organs. 

However, there are also sarcomas that grow only locally. These are referred to as intermediate sarcomas.

The following are some of the types of soft tissue sarcomas:

• Connective tissue
• Adipose tissue
• Synovial tissue
• Smooth and striated muscle tissue

The following types of bone sarcomas exist:

• Osteosarcoma, commonly known as “bone cancer”
• Chondrosarcoma
• Ewing sarcoma

The exact cause of sarcomas is not yet fully understood. However, there appear to be various risk factors that may at least contribute to their development:

• radiation therapy as part of treatment for another type of cancer,
• exposure to asbestos or PVC
• various pre-existing conditions, such as neurofibromatosis.

In the case of bone sarcomas, however, genetic factors may contribute to their development.

Image of a chondrosarcoma forming on the femur © rumruay | AdobeStock

Many sarcomas initially present as a swelling that causes no pain at all. If left untreated, however, pain or functional limitations in the affected body part may develop at a later stage.

If the tumor has been present for a very long time, weight loss may also occur in some cases.

If a sarcoma is suspected, imaging tests, such as an MRI, can provide further information.

To confirm that a tumor is indeed a sarcoma beyond a doubt, doctors perform a biopsy. During this procedure, tissue is removed from the patient and then examined. This diagnostic approach applies to all forms of the tumor.

Further tests are then conducted to determine whether metastases are present. Sarcomas typically spread through the bloodstream. As a result, metastases can also develop in other organs, such as the lungs.

The treatment of a sarcoma depends, among other things, on its stage at the time of diagnosis.

In addition, the assessment of the tumors plays a major role. Here, sarcomas are distinguished from one another based on their characteristics. For example, if the cells of the tumor closely resemble those of the surrounding tissue, they are considered differentiated tumor cells. Undifferentiated tumor cells are usually so degenerated that their origin can no longer be determined.

In general, there are several treatment options for sarcoma. For example, if the sarcoma is differentiated and of moderate size, surgical removal may be sufficient.

If complete removal is not possible, or if the tumor consists of undifferentiated cells, radiation therapy is indicated following surgery.

In some cases, chemotherapy may also be used for soft tissue sarcomas. For inoperable sarcomas, it can shrink the tumor to the point where surgery becomes possible after all. Chemotherapy may be combined with radiation therapy.

Another method, though its effectiveness has not been proven, is hyperthermia. In this procedure, the tumor is treated with intense heat radiation.

In the case of bone sarcomas, however, chemotherapy is generally always used, both before and after surgery.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of the chances of recovery from a sarcoma. The prognosis depends on several factors, including:

• Was the sarcoma completely removed?
• Has the sarcoma metastasized?

Regular follow-up after treatment is also important for the prognosis. Follow-up visits are very frequent at the beginning. This allows doctors to react quickly in the event of a relapse or new metastases.

As part of follow-up care, doctors check whether other organs may have been damaged.

A cure can only be declared if the patient remains free of new findings for a period of five years. However, this is no guarantee that problems will not arise again at a later date.