Dimapur: When people think of cancer, they often think of breast, lung, or colon cancer. However, sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that many people are unaware of until it affects them or someone close to them. Sarcomas develop in the body’s connective tissues, including bones, muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, and other soft tissues. They account for less than one percent of all adult cancers, making them both uncommon and often misunderstood.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar Jain, Principal Director Surgical Oncology, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, said, “Sarcomas are unique because they often grow silently without causing obvious symptoms. Soft tissue sarcomas may appear as a painless lump, while bone sarcomas can present as a persistent dull ache that is often mistaken for a sports injury or muscle strain. As a result, many patients seek medical attention only after the tumor has grown significantly.”
Surgery remains the most important treatment for sarcomas. The goal is to completely remove the tumor along with a margin of healthy surrounding tissue to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. At the same time, surgeons must carefully preserve the function of the affected limb or organ. This requires meticulous planning and specialized surgical expertise.
Dr. Jain further added, “In the past, sarcomas affecting the arms or legs often required amputation. Today, thanks to major advances in surgical techniques and reconstruction, more than 90 percent of patients can undergo limb-salvage surgery. Damaged bones can be replaced with custom metal implants or bone grafts, and if major blood vessels are involved, they can often be reconstructed to preserve normal blood flow and limb function.”
Since there are more than 70 different subtypes of sarcoma, treatment must be individualized for every patient. The best outcomes are achieved when patients are managed by a multidisciplinary team comprising surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists who specialize in these rare cancers.
Do not ignore any new lump that continues to grow, feels deep beneath the skin, or becomes unusually large. Early diagnosis, timely evaluation by specialists, and appropriate surgical treatment can significantly improve outcomes, allowing patients to lead long, healthy, and active lives.