Sarcoma

Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the connective tissues of the body. Unlike more common cancers that develop in organs, sarcomas affect the tissues that support, connect, or surround other structures and organs in your body. These include bones, muscles, fat, blood vessels, and nerves. It can occur at any age, from children to adults.

Sarcomas are broadly divided into two main categories:

• Bone Sarcoma: Cancer that starts in the bones, such as osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma , chondrosarcoma.
• Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Cancer that arises in tissues other than bone, including muscles, fat, blood vessels, and nerves. 

Subtypes include liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, angiosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor and GIST

There may be no noticeable symptoms at first. Symptoms vary based on location and size of the tumor.

• A lump or swelling may appear in the affected area.
• The lump may increase in size, and pain or discomfort may present
• Limited movement in the area may occur.
• Bone sarcoma can cause bone weakness or even fractures.
• Abdominal pain or bloating (for internal sarcomas)
• Edema of lower limb can be caused by retroperitoneal sarcoma depending on locations
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue

While the exact causes remain largely unknown, several risk factors have been identified:

Previous radiation therapy (particularly high-dose)

Exposure to certain chemicals (vinyl chloride, arsenic, herbicides)

Genetic conditions including:

•   Li-Fraumeni syndrome
•   Neurofibromatosis
•   Retinoblastoma
•   Gardner syndrome

Lymphedema (chronic swelling)

Paget's disease of bone

Prior injury (rarely, and causation is debated)

Most sarcomas develop without any identifiable risk factor.

There is no sure way to prevent sarcoma. However, these measures may help reduce risk:

• Avoid unnecessary radiation exposure
• Use protective equipment when working with chemicals
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Those with a family history or at higher risk should have regular check-ups.