Cancer is a disease that many forms can occur. Cancer is divided into different types depending on where it occurs on the body and whether it is benign or malignant. we explain to you what is meant by a sarcoma and what complaints can point this out to you.
Definition and frequency of sarcomas
Cancer is usually associated with malignant tumors. These will too malignant tumors called. Malignant tumors are three different categories assigned: carcinomas, blastomas and sarcomas. Overall, sarcomas occur with a 5000 new cases per year only rarely in Germany. These are about 1 % of all new cancer cases per year.
The malignant tumors are found in soft tissue or bones. Soft tissue refers to muscle, fat and connective tissue. Approximately 85% of sarcomas occur in soft tissue on, 15% in the Bone. Under the term “sarcomas” are about 100 different tumor types summarized. All of these species differ in their growth behavior and prognosis. The treatment of a sarcoma also depends on the exact type of tumor.
Soft tissue sarcomas are malignant. That means she grow directly into neighboring tissue. Sarcomas also have the ability spread to distant organs. With a share of about 43% of all sarcomas, soft tissue sarcomas occur most frequently in the arms or legs on. However, the abdomen, shoulder, pelvis or neck and head area can also be affected.
Typical symptoms of sarcoma
Bone sarcomas are malignant bone tumors. They originate either in bone or in bone tissue. The most common of the bone sarcomas is this osteosarcomathe Ewing sarcoma and the chondrosarcoma on. The Ewing sarcoma and the osteosarcoma are mainly tumors of children and adolescents. At an age of over 40 years, the two types of sarcoma hardly occur. The chondrosarcoma however, occurs more frequently in people over the age of 50.
sarcomas become fundamental often recognized late, since there are no typical complaints for them. In most cases, a sarcoma triggers only one at the beginning painless swelling or one node from what you don’t notice directly. If the sarcoma grows, you could a feeling of tension feel in the affected area. You only notice pain when the sarcoma is already displacing nerves or growing into nerve tissue. Bone sarcomas can Joint pain, stiffness or a broken bone.
You should see a doctor if you notice any swelling that longer than 4 weeks consists. Depending on the location of the tumor, a general practitioner or a specialist practice is the right place to go. A swelling should be clarified as soon as possible if it
- a diameter of 5 cm has
- in size increases
- Pains caused
- located deeper is.
Known risk factors and diagnostic methods
According to current scientific knowledge, typical risk factors such as diet or lifestyle have no influence on the development of sarcomas. So far, there are only a few known risk factors:
- At rare genetic syndromes sarcomas are more common.
- After radiation therapy a sarcoma can occur at the irradiated site.
- After chemotherapy sarcomas may develop in individual cases; especially if a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy took place in childhood.
In most cases, however, the exact cause cannot be determined. Above all, however, it is important that you receive a correct diagnosis; because only in this way can the treatment be optimal customized for your sarcoma type become. A diagnosis is usually only made after various diagnostic procedures. Typically, the doctor will start with one anamnese, i.e. a basic survey. He or she will then examine you physically.
Additional diagnostic procedures, such as imaging procedures, are then used. These fall under this Magnetic resonance therapy (MRI)the ultrasound and the Computed tomography (CT). It can also take a tissue sample (biopsy) take place. Which of these procedures your doctor uses for the diagnosis, he or she usually decides on a case-by-case basis. If you have received a diagnosis or there is a suspicion of a sarcoma, you should present yourself to a center that is specialized in sarcoma treatment has. When looking for a specialized center, you can Cancer Information Service website help. The interdisciplinary team consists of oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, radiation therapists and pathologists, among others, and enables the best possible treatment.
Conclusion
are sarcomas malignant tumors, which occur only rarely. If you notice one or more of the symptoms mentioned, you should see a doctor. As a Treatment of the sarcoma can not generalized become. It largely depends on how the tumor grows, whether it has already spread to distant organs and whether it has invaded neighboring tissue. It is important that you clarify any questions you have about treatment with your doctor.
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