Have you ever noticed a lump that doesn’t go away? It could be a sign of something more serious. This July is Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month, knowing the signs, spreading sarcoma awareness can lead to early treatment!

What is sarcoma? 

Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that starts in the body’s connective tissues like muscles, fat, bones, cartilage, blood vessels and nerves. These tissues help support and hold the body together, and sarcomas can grow almost anywhere, though they’re often found in the arms, legs, or belly.

Types of primary bone sarcoma include:

• Osteosarcoma: 
• Chondrosarcoma
• Others include chordoma 
• Ewing’s sarcoma.

Sarcomas can be anywhere from your head to your toes:

• 40% occur in your lower extremities (legs, ankles, feet).
• 15% occur in your upper extremities (shoulders, arms, wrists, hands).
• 30% occur in your trunk/chest wall/abdomen/pelvis.
• 15% occur in your head and neck.

Even though sarcomas are uncommon, making up only about 1% of all adult cancers,  they’re more likely to occur in children and teens, leading to around 15% of childhood cancers. Each year, about 16,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with sarcoma.

Symptoms to look out for in support of sarcoma awareness

Sarcoma symptoms can be different depending on where the tumor is, but here are some common signs to watch for:

• A lump or swelling: Often the first sign. It may not hurt at first, especially with soft tissue sarcoma but can grow and become painful over time.
• Pain: Bone sarcomas can cause pain that may feel like growing pains at first, but it usually gets worse. Soft tissue sarcomas may also cause pain as they grow.
• Trouble moving or walking: If the tumor is near a joint or in a limb, it might make it harder to move, cause stiffness or affect the way you walk.
• Swelling or tenderness: The area around the tumor might feel swollen, warm or firm to the touch.

Other systemic symptoms in advanced sarcoma: unexplained fatigue, weight loss, reduced appetite, fever and night sweats. Knowing the signs and catching sarcoma soon can help make a big difference.

How is sarcoma diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects sarcoma, they’ll start by asking about your health history and doing a physical check. To confirm the diagnosis, they’ll need to test a small sample of tissue from the lump, this is called a biopsy.

They may also order imaging tests to see where the tumor is and how far it has spread. These can include: X-ray, CT scan, MRI, bone scan,…

Staging helps doctors understand how serious the cancer is and how to treat it. They look at:

• T: The size and location of the tumor
• N: If the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes
• M: If it has spread to other parts of the body

They also check the grade (G), which shows how fast the cancer cells might grow. The more the cells look like normal ones, the better the outcome may be.

Understanding treatment to boost sarcoma awareness

Your treatment plan depends on the type of sarcoma, where it is, how big it is and your overall health. Here are the main treatments:

• Surgery: The main goal is to remove the tumor along with some healthy tissue around it. In some cases, doctors may need to replace part of a bone or joint. Amputation is rare but may be the safest option in certain situations.
• Radiation therapy: Uses strong rays to kill cancer cells. It can be done before, during or after surgery and may also help ease pain if the cancer has spread.
• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It can be given through a vein or as pills, often before or after surgery.
• Targeted therapy: Focuses on specific changes in cancer cells and usually causes less harm to healthy cells. It only works for cancers with certain features.

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent sarcoma, here are some things you can do to lower your risk:

• Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors linked to sarcoma. If you smoke, quitting can really help reduce your risk.
• Avoid harmful chemicals: Try to limit exposure to certain chemicals like dioxins and PCBs, which have been linked to a higher chance of getting sarcoma.
• Limit radiation exposure: If you need X-rays or scans often, ask your doctor if they’re really needed.
• Know your family history: If sarcoma runs in your family, talk to your doctor about your risk and how to stay healthy.

Raising sarcoma awareness starts with simple things. At Lotus, your trusted NDIS provider Gold Coast, we offer gentle activities to help you reconnect from mindful walks to moments of loving your cells, your bones and yourself. Let’s walk together in awareness and care!