Sarcoma Awareness

Articles

Jul 1

During the month of July, healthcare and advocacy organizations aim to promote awareness about sarcoma. Even in adults sarcoma is relatively rare when compared to other cancers, and in pediatrics, sarcoma makes up about 15-20% of cancer diagnoses. Similarly to sarcoma in adults, childhood sarcoma (or soft tissue sarcoma) has many variations and can affect any area of the body. Depending on the type of sarcoma, different treatment plans and methods are employed. For children, the prognosis is typically better than sarcoma occurring in adulthood, as children have shown to have a better response to treatment.

What is Sarcoma?

Sarcoma is a type of cancer which affects the connective (soft) tissue or bones throughout the body. Connective tissue is found throughout the body and supports the bones, organs, and surrounds other body parts. Abnormal cell development or mutation can occur and begin to divide and multiply. Generally, this mutation of cells will create tumors in areas such as the muscles, tendons, fat, blood vessels, and tissue fibers, and most commonly develops in the limbs or the trunk of the body.

Signs of Sarcoma in Children

Sarcoma in children is commonly identified by a lump beneath the skin which is typically not sensitive or painful. There will often be no other signs or symptoms present that would indicate the presence of sarcoma. In time, the sarcoma usually grows in size and begins to put pressure on organs, blood vessels, nerves, or muscles in the area which it appears. This pressure may cause additional symptoms to become apparent, such as pain in the region or weakening systems in that area of the body.

Causes of Sarcoma

Inherited disorders play a role in the presence of sarcoma in children. Certain diseases such as Werner syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, and familial adenomatous polyposis indicate a higher risk of a child developing sarcoma. Although risk factors may present a higher change of sarcoma forming, it does not necessarily mean that the cancer will be present. Other ailments such as AIDS and the Epstein-Barr virus occurring simultaneously can increase a child’s risk of developing sarcoma. Radiation therapy expose due to past illness also creates a higher risk of sarcoma in children.

Diagnosis of Sarcoma in Children

Healthcare professionals will generally perform examinations of the body to detect any abnormal or new lumps and signs of sarcoma. It is important that doctors are aware of the child’s past health history and and past treatment they have received. Often, healthcare professionals will perform imaging tests such as an X-ray, MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound to get a clear picture of what the affected area looks like in a more detailed manner. These tests will help doctors determine whether a tumor or lump is reason for concern and they may recommend additional testing.

After imaging tests confirm that sarcoma may be present, a biopsy is generally the next step in the diagnosis process. Depending on the size of the potential sarcoma, doctors will usually remove a small amount of tissue, a partial portion of tissue from the mass, or the entire mass of tissue to be tested. Once the tissue is tested, doctors can usually confirm what type of sarcoma is present to proceed with the correct path of treatment. At times, sarcoma can be difficult to diagnose.

Stages of Sarcoma

As sarcoma begins to form, it can be very difficult to detect or notice. Usually it is detected after it has progressed to some degree. Generally sarcoma can spread through the body in three ways. The cancerous cells can move through the body’s tissue, the lymph system, and through the blood. It can also move from one part of the body to other parts of the body as it spreads. Sometimes children with sarcoma experience recurring cancer which returns after treatment or may experience a progressive form of sarcoma which continues to worsen and spread throughout the body.

Treatment for Sarcoma

As there are many different types of sarcoma, there are many different paths of treatment. Depending on the type, treatment for childhood sarcoma may include surgery to remove malignant tumors, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or other forms of drug therapy. Any type of treatment for sarcoma may result in various side effects ranging from physical ailment to psychological issues. Many research studies and clinical trials exist in an effort to learn more about treatment and management options for childhood sarcoma. Because any form of childhood cancer is rare, it is important that a treatment plan is initiated by specialists.

After Treatment

Since sarcoma in children can recur or even cause other cancers to form later in life, it is important that individuals are regularly monitored after successful treatments. Sarcoma can affect any area of the body and often, lasting effects on areas of the body such as the heart or reproductive system can create problems in the future. Because sarcoma often occurs in the limbs, weakened arms and legs can cause major mobility problems. After treatment, occupational and physical therapists can help patients recovering from sarcoma with their ability to walk or perform activities of daily living.

If your child or a loved one has been diagnosed with sarcoma or is undergoing treatment, it is important that they are aware of the options available to them to continue their journey of recovery. Help us spread awareness about childhood sarcoma and how occupational and physical therapy can help children regain mobility and their maximum level of independence.

Find more resources and awareness efforts to help spread the word in our resources section. Learn more about how our therapists work with individuals diagnosed with many different types of illnesses and disorders.