Cancer is a disease that occurs in many forms can occur. Depending on where it occurs on the body and whether it is benign or malignant, cancer is divided into different types. We explain to you what is meant by a sarcoma and what complaints can point this out to you. You can read about how to recognize basal cell carcinomas here.
Definition and frequency of sarcomas
Cancer is usually accompanied by malignant tumors. These will too malignant tumors called. Malignant tumors are in three different categories assigned: carcinomas, Blastomas and Sarcomas. Overall, sarcomas occur with one Number of new cases of 5,000 per year rarely occurs in Germany. These are about 1 % of all new cancer cases per year.
The malignant tumors are found in the 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. The term “sarcomas” refers to: 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 that they grow directly into neighboring tissue. Sarcomas also have the ability to to spread to distant organs. With a proportion of around 43% of all sarcomas, soft tissue sarcomas occur most frequently arms or legs on. However, the abdomen, the shoulder, the pelvis or the neck and head area can also be affected.
Typical symptoms of sarcomas
Bone sarcomas are malignant bone tumors. They originate either in bone or in bone tissue. The most common bone sarcomas are: Osteosarcomathe Ewing sarcoma and that Chondrosarcoma on. The Ewing sarcoma and that Osteosarcoma are primarily tumors of children and adolescents. After the age of over 40, the two types of sarcoma hardly occur anymore. The Chondrosarcoma On the other hand, it occurs more frequently in people aged 50 and over.
Sarcomas are fundamentally often recognized late, as there are no typical complaints for them. In most cases, a sarcoma initially only resolves one painless swelling or one node what you don’t immediately notice. If the sarcoma grows, you could become one Feeling of tension felt in the affected area. You only notice pain when the sarcoma has already displaced nerves or grown into nerve tissue. In the case of bone sarcomas it can occur Joint pain, stiffness or a broken bone.
You should see a doctor if you notice any swelling longer than 4 weeks consists. Depending on the location of the tumor, a general practice or a specialist practice is the right place to go. Swelling should be clarified as quickly as possible if it occurs
- a Diameter of 5 cm has
- in size increases
- Pains caused
- deeper located is.
Known risk factors and diagnostic procedures
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 occur more frequently.
- After radiation therapy A sarcoma can occur in the irradiated area.
- After chemotherapy Sarcomas can develop in individual cases; especially if a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy took place in childhood.
In most cases, however, an exact cause cannot be determined. What is most important, however, is that you receive a correct diagnosis; Because this is the only way the treatment can be optimal adapted to your type of sarcoma become. A diagnosis is usually only made after various diagnostic procedures. Typically the doctor starts with one anamnese, i.e. a basic survey. He or she will then physically examine you.
Additional diagnostic procedures, such as imaging procedures, are then used. This includes those Magnetic resonance therapy (MRI)the ultrasound and the Computed tomography (CT). There may also be a removal of one Tissue sample (biopsy) take place. Which of these procedures your doctor uses for the diagnosis is usually decided on an individual basis. If you have received a diagnosis or if you suspect that you have a sarcoma, you should go to a center that has… specialized in sarcoma treatment has. When looking for a specialized center you can the Cancer Information Service website help. The interdisciplinary team consists, among others, of oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, radiation therapists and pathologists and enables the best possible treatment.
Conclusion
Sarcomas are malignant tumors, which only rarely occur. If you notice one or more of the symptoms mentioned, you should consult a doctor. As a Treatment the sarcoma looks like not generalized become. It depends largely 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 all your questions regarding the treatment with your doctor.
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