What is a sarcoma: types, symptoms and possible treatments

Sarcoma: what it is, causes, symptoms and possible treatments for this type of connective tissue cancer.

Did you know that there are more than fifty types of sarcoma? A tumor that often arises in bones or muscles, but can also occur in other tissues, sarcoma is a rare type of cancer, accounting for only 1% of total cases. There is no definitive cause for developing a sarcoma, but there are some risk factors that increase the chances of developing the disease.

The symptoms of sarcoma vary according to the type and its location in the body. What is certain is that this cancer can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are often similar to those of other diseases.

What is a sarcoma: the different types

As we have said, sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that begins in the body's connective tissues , namely muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and nerves. There are many different types of sarcoma. Some of the most common are lemiosarcoma, which affects fatty tissue, that of the gastrointestinal tract, angiosarcoma, which arises in blood vessels, and others.

The different types of sarcoma are classified according to the type of cell from which they develop. The most common of all is soft tissue disease , which develops in muscles, tendons, or fat. Other types include bony , which develops in the bone, and gastrointestinal , which develops in the stomach or intestines.

Each type of sarcoma can be treated differently. For example, bone sarcomas are often treated with surgery , while soft tissue sarcomas are often treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Differences between sarcoma and tumor

There is a lot of confusion around the terms sarcoma and tumor. People often use them interchangeably, but there are actually some important distinctions between the two. Simply put, a tumor is an abnormal mass or lump that can develop anywhere in the body. Tumors can be cancerous or benign.

Sarcomas, on the other hand, are a specific type of tumor and are always cancerous types that develop in the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons and ligaments. There are key differences between sarcomas and other types of cancers. First, sarcomas are much less common than other types of cancer. Second, they are more likely to spread to other parts of the body. Finally, they are more likely to respond to treatment.

What should you do if you are diagnosed with this disease?

If you are diagnosed with this type of cancer, your doctor will likely refer you to a specialist for the correct treatment. Treatments, as we have already mentioned, typically include surgery , radiation and chemotherapy . In some cases, targeted therapy may also be used.

Riproduzione riservata © - WT