Statistics

• Sarcomas account for about 1% of adult cancers and about 15% of childhood cancers.
• In the U.S., about 13,590 new cases of soft tissue sarcoma are expected to be diagnosed in 2024, with approximately 5,200 deaths.
• Approximately 3,970 new cases of bone and joint cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2024, with an estimated 2,050 deaths.

Risk Factors

There are no known reasons for developing sarcomas, but certain risk factors have been identified based on common characteristics in individuals who developed the disease, including:

• History of high doses of radiation exposure from treatments for other cancers; however, radiation treatment techniques have improved to ensure the targeted area is treated more precisely so effects on surrounding tissues and organs are minimized.
• Individuals exposed to herbicides with high doses of phenoxyacetic acid and wood preservatives with chlorophenols have a higher risk.
• Individuals with certain inherited diseases, including Li-Fraumeni syndrome, retinoblastoma, Paget’s disease of bone, multiple exostoses syndrome, Gardner syndrome, Werner syndrome, Gorlin syndrome, von Recklinghausen disease (neurofibromatosis), or tuberous sclerosis have an increased risk of developing a soft tissue or bone sarcoma.
• Damage to a person’s lymph system, which can occur through surgery or radiation therapy, is also a risk factor associated with soft tissue sarcoma.

In the early stages, it can be difficult to determine if a sarcoma is present, and sarcoma may go undetected for a long period of time. Symptoms such as bone pain, suspicious lumps, or swollen areas of the body should be evaluated by a physician, who may conduct a biopsy If a lump is present to determine if it is a malignant tumor or benign. Over time, tumors can grow, become sore, and eventually cause pain, bone fracturing, swelling, numbness, tingling, or weakness as the tumor presses against nerves or muscles.

Prevention

There are no known ways to prevent the development of a bone or soft-tissue sarcoma. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and getting regular check-ups are the best ways to reduce the risk for developing all forms of cancer.

Treatment

Once a sarcoma is diagnosed, the treatment plan will be based on type, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and individual goals. Surgery may be an option, depending on the cancer’s location and stage. For soft tissue sarcoma, tissue is sometimes removed even if the disease has spread to other areas. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumor before surgery. Following surgery, patients may receive radiation therapy or chemotherapy to improve the chances of eliminating all tumor cells. Proton therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and palliative medicine may also be treatment options. Patients with sarcoma are usually treated by a multidisciplinary team including surgical oncology or orthopedic oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology and palliative care. Enrollment into clinical trials may also be considered.