Sarcomas
Sarcomas are a type of cancer that affect connective tissue including bone, cartilage, muscle, blood vessels, nerves, deep skin tissue, and fat. Sarcoma cancers are quite rare, composing only 1% of all cancers. The most common sarcoma is the gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors affect between 3,000 and 3,500 people each year in the U.S. For comparison, there are approximately 200,000 breast cancer cases each year in the U.S. Sarcomas can affect people of all ages, and some types of sarcomas are more common in adults, while others are more often diagnosed in children. For example, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, leiomyosarcoma (sarcoma of the smooth muscle), and chondrosarcoma (sarcoma of the cartilage) are more common in adults. Osteosarcoma (sarcoma of the bones) is more common in children.
Types of Sarcomas
Sarcomas are named based on the connective tissue involved:
- Angiosarcomas are tumors found in blood or lymph vessels.
- Chondrosarcomas are formed by the cells that make up cartilage.
- Ewing’s sarcomas are also called Peripheral Neuroectodermal Tumors. They typically affect the bones, although they may also occur in soft tissue.
- Fibrosarcomas occur in fibroblast cells. Fibroblasts are common in connective tissue and play a key role in scar formation and healing.
- Leiomyosarcomas develop in smooth muscle tissue. The organs most commonly affected by leiomyosarcomas are the uterus and the gastrointestinal tract, although these types of sarcomas can occur anywhere in the body.
- Liposarcomas develop in fatty tissue. Liposarcomas can develop anywhere but are most common in the retroperitoneum. Retroperitoneal organs include the adrenal glands, kidneys, ureter, bladder, aorta, interior vena cava, and parts of the esophagus, rectum, pancreas, duodenum, and colon.
- Lymphosarcomas affect the lymph nodes.
- Osteosarcomas, or osteogenic sarcomas, are found in bone.
- Rhabdomyosarcomas occur in skeletal muscle. These types of sarcomas are most common in the limbs, but can also affect the head and neck area. They are sometimes also found in the reproductive and urinary systems.
- Synovial sarcomas are soft tissue sarcomas that typically occur in the joins of the arms and legs. Synovial sarcomas can occur throughout the body and are more commonly found in younger patients.
Sarcomas, like other malignant tumors, are classified as low or high grade. This classification is based on whether or not the tumors are likely to metastasize or spread to other areas, and the type of treatment they respond to. Low grade sarcomas are unlikely to metastasize and are often treated with surgery. Radiation or chemotherapy may also be used to treat low grade sarcomas. High grade sarcomas are likely to metastasize and are often treated with a more aggressive regimen that includes surgery plus chemotherapy and radiation. The ability to treat sarcomas with chemotherapy has greatly improved the survival rate. Before chemotherapy was introduced, the survival rate for patients with osteogenic sarcoma was about 20%. With chemotherapy, the survival rate for osteosarcoma patients is now as high at 70%.
As with other cancers, the best outcomes are linked to early detection. Genetic predisposition is an important factor to consider. You should also speak with your doctor if you notice new lumps or growths on your body, if you have abnormal abdominal pain, or if you have blood in your stool or vomit.