Sarcomas

Overview

Sarcomas are rare cancers that arise from the body’s connective tissues — including muscle, fat, bone, cartilage, blood vessels, and nerves. They are broadly divided into:

• Soft tissue sarcomas – occur in muscles, fat, or fibrous tissue (commonly limbs and abdomen)

• Bone sarcomas – such as osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma

Unlike many common cancers, sarcomas can occur in younger individuals as well as adults. Because they often grow silently and painlessly, early recognition is essential.

Causes and Risk Factors

In most patients, the exact cause is unknown, but certain conditions increase risk:

• Previous radiation exposure (years after treatment)

• Genetic syndromes (Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Neurofibromatosis type 1, Retinoblastoma gene mutation)

• Chronic lymphedema

• Exposure to industrial chemicals (vinyl chloride, herbicides)

• Certain benign bone diseases (Paget disease of bone)

Sarcomas usually arise due to mutations affecting cell growth regulation.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms depend on location but typically develop gradually.

Soft tissue sarcoma symptoms:

• A painless enlarging lump (most common sign)

• Swelling in limb or abdomen

• Late onset pain due to nerve compression

Bone sarcoma symptoms:

• Persistent bone pain (often worse at night)

• Swelling around a joint

• Fracture after minor injury (pathological fracture)

Any lump larger than 5 cm, deep-seated, or progressively enlarging should be evaluated urgently.

Screening and Prevention

There is no routine population screening because sarcomas are rare.

However, early diagnosis depends on awareness:

Red flag signs:

• Lump increasing in size

• Lump deep to muscle

• Persistent bone pain without injury

Preventive considerations:

• Regular follow-up in genetic syndromes

• Avoid unnecessary radiation exposure

• Early imaging (MRI) for suspicious masses

Prompt biopsy in suspicious lesions improves cure rates significantly.

Treatment Approaches

Management requires a multidisciplinary team.

Main treatments include:

• Surgery: Primary curative treatment with limb preservation whenever possible

• Radiation Therapy: Used before or after surgery to prevent recurrence

• Chemotherapy: Important in certain high-grade sarcomas and pediatric tumors

• Targeted Therapy: For selected molecular subtypes

Modern care focuses on organ and limb preservation rather than amputation in most cases.

Cutting-Edge Cancer Care by Dr. Rajesh Natte

Dr. Rajesh Natte, a specialist in advanced radiation oncology, treats sarcomas and colorectal cancers using highly precise radiotherapy.

With Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT), Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), radiation is sculpted around the tumor while sparing surrounding muscles, joints, bowel, and nerves.

Using MRI-fusion planning, adaptive radiotherapy, and AI-assisted contouring, treatment fields are optimized to achieve:

• Limb preservation

• Lower recurrence risk

• Reduced long-term stiffness and fibrosis

• Improved functional outcomes

This precision-based approach allows effective tumor control while maintaining mobility and quality of life.

Conclusion

Sarcomas are rare but treatable cancers when detected early. Awareness of suspicious lumps and timely imaging are essential for cure.

Through modern precision radiotherapy and personalized treatment planning, Dr. Rajesh Natte delivers advanced care for sarcomas and colorectal cancers — combining technology, safety, and compassionate treatment to achieve the best possible outcomes.