-Jasmeet Singh
Mohali, July 22, 2023: Soft tissue sarcomas are uncommon cancerous tumors originating from mesenchymal cells, including muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, cartilage, nerves, and blood vessels. Although they can occur anywhere in the body, limbs are most commonly affected, with 60% of sarcomas originating in the arm or leg, 30% in the torso or abdomen, and 10% in the head or neck. Despite the disease’s significant impact on lives, awareness about sarcoma remains relatively low. In an effort to spread awareness about sarcoma and its associated complications, World Sarcoma Month is observed in July each year, with this year’s theme being “Let’s Talk about the Forgotten Cancer.”
A Remarkable Case: Overcoming Sarcoma and
-Recently, a team of doctors at Fortis Mohali successfully treated a 66-year-old woman who had been experiencing persistent uterine bleeding. Upon her condition worsening and experiencing heavy bleeding, she sought medical attention at Fortis Mohali. Medical investigations revealed that she had carcinosarcoma of the uterus, which had metastasized to the lungs. The patient underwent chemotherapy and uterus removal surgery, followed by several sessions of chemotherapy, radiation, and lung tumor removal surgery. This case was unique as it involved both sarcoma and carcinoma, both of which had spread to the lungs. Remarkably, the patient achieved a complete recovery after the multidisciplinary treatment, under the care of Dr. Rajeev Bedi, Director of Medical Oncology, and Dr. Ketan Dang, Consultant Oncologist.
Recognizing Warning Signs and Identifying
-Dr. Ketan Dang stresses the importance of identifying warning signs that require immediate medical attention. These include painless lumps or swellings, which may exert pressure on adjacent nerves and organs, leading to pain and breathing difficulties. Bone sarcoma can cause pain and swelling in the arm or leg, trunk, or back, affecting joint movement and potentially leading to unexplained fever and bone fractures.
Sarcomas manifest in various forms, such as soft-tissue sarcomas, synovial sarcoma, liposarcoma, de-differentiated liposarcoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, among others.
Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
-Diagnosing sarcoma involves conducting a biopsy and histopathologic evaluation of the tumor, followed by immunohistochemistry and molecular testing. Comprehensive evaluation includes PET-CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and other regions of the body to determine the disease’s extent.
Treatment procedures for sarcoma vary depending on the tumor’s stage and type, with options including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. At Fortis Hospital Mohali, the medical team conducts routine Molecular Testing of complex tumors and offers advanced Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy for sarcoma patients. A Tumor Board, consisting of surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists, carefully deliberates on the best treatment approach and devises individualized treatment strategies for optimal results.
Conclusion: Spreading Awareness and Advancing Sarcoma Care
As sarcoma remains a lesser-known and potentially life-threatening condition, World Sarcoma Month serves as a vital platform to raise awareness and foster progress in its prevention and treatment. By recognizing warning signs, understanding various sarcoma types, and accessing advanced treatment options, we can collectively work towards improving patient outcomes and providing hope for those affected by this challenging disease.
