June was cancer survivor’s awareness month. We celebrated the lives of those who passed through the difficult journey that is cancer treatment and survived, whilst honoring those who lost their lives in the battle. As complex as cancer prognosis is, this month we explore one of the less known forms of cancer: sarcoma.
What is sarcoma?
Sarcoma is a tumor that affects connective tissue. Connective tissues are the tissues in the body that support, protect and give structure to other organs in the body. They include: bone, fat, muscle, cartilage, nerves e.t.c. Connective tissue is the most abundant type of tissue in the body.
What are the symptoms or sarcoma?
A painful, or sometimes painless bump or mass that may be felt through the skin. Bone pain, unexpected joint dislocation or bone fracture and weight loss.
Is sarcoma always cancerous?
Like many other tumors, sarcoma may be malignant (cancerous or has the ability to spread) or benign (non-cancerous or does not penetrating the deeper tissues.
What are the risk factors associated with sarcoma?
- Genetic or hereditary factors
- Radiation treatment for cancer.
- Exposure to some industrial chemicals and exposure to certain viruses e.g. herpes virus 8.
What are the variations of Sarcoma?
There are different variations of sarcoma including: leiomyosarcoma affecting the uterus, osteosarcoma affecting the bones, epitheliod sarcoma affecting the skin and several other variations. A variation worth noting is Kaposi’s sarcoma which is transmitted by Herpes Virus 8 and is known as an AIDS defining co-morbidity, meaning that individuals with AIDS are predisposed to Herpes Virus 8 [HHV8] infection.
What is the survival rate of people diagnosed with sarcoma?
If diagnosed early the survival rate is up to 65%. If the disease has spread, the survival rate drops to 18%.
Regular cancer screening is essential for both men and women. Take charge of your health today and book a comprehensive cancer screening on ponea.com.
Wonderful views on that!