Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, encompasses a variety of malignancies that arise in the body’s connective tissues, such as bones, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and soft tissues. Commonly observed symptoms are as follows:
- Painless lump
- Weight loss
- Trouble in breathing
- Pain in the affected bones
- Swelling
- Fatigue
- A limp when the sarcoma is in your leg.
While the precise causes of sarcoma remain unclear, several factors can contribute to its development. Here are some potential causes and risk factors associated with sarcoma:
- Genetic factors: Genetic mutations or inherited conditions can increase the likelihood of developing sarcoma in certain cases.
- Radiation exposure: Previous exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation, particularly during cancer treatment or nuclear accidents, has been linked to an elevated risk of sarcoma. This is more common among individuals who have undergone radiation therapy for other types of cancer.
3. Environmental factors: Certain environmental elements, such as exposure to specific chemicals or toxins, may contribute to sarcoma development. For example, exposure to vinyl chloride, a chemical used in plastics manufacturing, has been associated with an increased risk of a specific type of sarcoma called angiosarcoma.
- Chronic lymphedema: Prolonged swelling of the limbs caused by damage or removal of the lymphatic system, often resulting from cancer treatment or surgery, can elevate the risk of developing lymphangiosarcoma, a type of sarcoma.
Treatment:
According to Mayo Clinic’s Publication in December, 2022; Surgery is commonly employed as the primary treatment for sarcoma, aiming to remove the cancerous cells. Additional treatments may be administered before or after surgery, depending on the type and location of the sarcoma, the aggressiveness of the cells, and the presence of metastasis in other parts of the body. The optimal therapy for each individual is determined based on these factors.
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