As an orthopedic oncologist, I frequently meet patients and families who are hearing the word “sarcoma” for the first time. Sarcoma Awareness Month, each July, is an opportunity to build greater understanding of this rare cancer and reinforce the importance of early evaluation and specialized care.
Sarcoma is a malignant tumor that forms in connective tissue, including the muscles and bones of the trunk and limbs. Although more than 70 subtypes exist, sarcomas collectively make up only about 1% of all cancers. Because they are uncommon, many people are unfamiliar with how these tumors present or how they should be treated.
Soft tissue sarcomas are the most common form, accounting for about 90% of the roughly 12,000 new sarcoma cases diagnosed each year in the United States. Bone sarcomas occur far less often. These tumors tend to invade the surrounding tissues, and prognosis depends heavily on tumor size, grade and whether the cancer has spread at the time of diagnosis. Treatment may involve surgery alone or a combination of surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Sarcomas can occur at any age. Osteosarcoma, the most common bone sarcoma, appears more often in children and adolescents, but there is another peak later in adulthood. Most soft tissue sarcomas occur in adults, and only about 15% affect children. Although risk factors such as previous radiation, chronic lymphedema, certain chemical exposures and rare genetic conditions can increase the likelihood of developing sarcoma, there is no known cause for most soft tissue sarcomas.
One of the biggest challenges in treating sarcoma is its early recognition. Unlike many other cancers, there are no screening tests for this cancer. Sarcomas often resemble benign masses and may not cause symptoms early in their development. This frequently leads to delays in diagnosis, which can allow the tumor to grow or spread. Early evaluation is essential. Any mass that is deep or approaches the size of a golf ball should be assessed by a sarcoma specialist before biopsy or removal.
Diagnostic imaging continues to improve the accuracy of sarcoma evaluation. X-rays, MRIs, CT scans and bone scans remain vital tools. High‑resolution CT, often with 3D reconstruction, assists with surgical planning, especially in bone sarcomas. CT‑guided biopsy helps obtain tissue samples precisely and safely. PET/CT scans, which combine metabolic and structural imaging, have become especially valuable for evaluating disease extent and monitoring recurrence.
At Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, our multidisciplinary team collaborates closely to determine the best treatment plan for each patient. Over the past year, more than 100 sarcoma cases were reviewed at our multidisciplinary conference, with over half requiring carefully planned surgery for tumor removal and soft tissue or bone reconstruction. In addition, our orthopaedic oncologists perform over 200 cases per year for treating a wide range of musculoskeletal tumors. This team-based approach ensures that each patient receives personalized care informed by experts across orthopedic, medical, and radiation oncology, as well as radiology and pathology.
Sarcoma outcomes vary widely. About 70% of tumors are localized at diagnosis, and patients in this group have an 80% five-year survival rate. When cancer spreads regionally, survival drops to about 50%. Metastatic disease carries a five-year survival rate of about 15%. Even so, advancements in limb‑sparing surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and radiation continue to improve long-term outcomes.
Despite their rarity and complexity, sarcomas can be treated effectively. Early evaluation and coordinated, multidisciplinary care remain the most powerful tools for improving outcomes. My message to patients is clear: with timely assessment and an experienced treatment team, long‑term survival is possible.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SARCOMA CARE AT NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL CANCER INSTITUTE.
