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Sarcoma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the cells of soft tissue or bones. Soft tissue – including fat, muscles, nerves, tendons, and blood and lymph vessels – connects or supports parts of your body. About 80 percent of sarcomas develop in the cells that make up soft tissue.
Sarcoma can occur anywhere in the body, although it develops most often in the arms or legs. It also commonly begins in the abdominal area – such as in the stomach or intestines, the retroperitoneum (the area in front of the lower spine), the torso, or the head or neck. There are more than 50 types of soft tissue sarcoma with varying appearances and growth rates.
Although sarcomas are very rare, Fox Chase Cancer Center offers a high level of expertise in this type of cancer. Our sarcoma team includes physicians in medical oncology, radiation oncology, orthopedic oncology, and surgical oncology who specialize in the treatment and research of these diseases. Some of the most common sarcomas we treat at Fox Chase include:
Other common sarcomas include:
Sarcoma might not present any symptoms, or the symptoms could be a result of other problems the tumor is causing in the body (such as blockages or internal bleeding).
Following is a list of possible signs of sarcoma, although they could be an indication of many other medical conditions as well. Consult with your doctor if you have:
The human body contains trillions of cells, the building blocks of tissue in the body. Normally, cells grow and divide to make new cells as old cells die. When abnormal genetic mutations occur, the cells in our body can become cancer cells. These cells make new ones that are not needed and do not die quickly when old or injured. As this overgrowth of cancer cells continues over time, it forms a mass called a tumor.
Researchers haven’t yet identified the exact reason behind the abnormal cell division process in most cancer cases. However, your chances of developing sarcoma may increase if you have the following risk factors:
Having any of these risk factors does not mean you will develop sarcoma, and many people with sarcoma have no risk factors.
“When you have such a rare disease, you want a care team that’s very comfortable and has extensive experience with treating your condition. We have the track record and the world-renowned expertise that provides opportunities for our patients that aren’t found at other cancer centers.”
— Krisha Howell, MD, Radiation Oncologist and Sarcoma Specialist