Early recognition of sarcoma (rare cancer) symptoms can significantly improve treatment outcomes, increasing patients' survival rates and quality of life, said experts on Tuesday.
July is recognised as sarcoma
awareness month, dedicated to raising awareness about this rare and often
overlooked group of cancers affecting connective tissues, including bones,
muscles, and fat.
This year's theme, 'early diagnosis
saves lives', highlights the importance of early detection and advanced
treatment options.
Sarcoma originate in bones and soft
tissues such as muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, and fibrous tissues. They
are categorised into bone sarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas, with the latter
further divided into up to 100 types based on cell origin and genetic changes.
While sarcoma accounts for less than
1 per cent of adult cancers, their incidence rises to 10-15 per cent in children,
with common types including Ewing's sarcoma, osteogenic sarcoma, and
rhabdomyosarcoma. However, chemotherapy and targeted therapy are used to
control the disease, immunotherapy is being evaluated in multiple cancers and
has shown promising results.
"The incidence in the adult
population is less than 1 per cent while it reaches up to 10-15 per cent in
children. The diagnosis of sarcoma is confirmed by biopsy of the swelling along
with imaging- X-rays, CT scan, MRI and PET CT. Whenever detected at a later
stage, chemotherapy and targeted therapy are used to control disease,"
Sunil Chopade, Consultant Medical Oncology at Jaslok Hospital Mumbai told IANS.
He noted that immunotherapy has also
shown promising results in treating multiple cancers.
Mayur Kamani, an Ortho-Oncology
Surgeon at HCG Cancer Centre Ahmedabad, said, "Sarcomas can be present as
painless lumps or swellings, and recognising these symptoms early is
crucial."
Early detection and diagnosis are
key to achieving a cure. If you experience any symptoms, consult your doctor or
oncologist promptly.
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