Bone Cancer and Sarcoma Flashcards
What are sarcomas?
Tumours of the body’s supportive connective tissue
What can sarcomas arise from?
- Bone
- Muscle
- Cartilage
- Tendon
- Fat
- Synovial tissue
What % of cancers do sarcomas account for?
Less than 1%
What kind of sarcomas develop primarily in children and adolescents?
- Ewing’s sarcoma
- Osteosarcoma
What does the occurrence of Ewing’s sarcoma and osteosarcoma appear to correlate with?
The growth spurt
Are soft tissue sarcomas common in adults?
No, they are rare in adults
What % of childhood cancers do soft tissue sarcomas account for?
Approx. 6%
What is the aetiology of bone sarcomas?
For the majority of bone sarcomas, no specific aetiology has been established, although predisposing factors have been identified
What group has an increased incidence of osteosarcoma?
Children with familial retinoblastoma
What is the genetic abnormality in children with familial retinoblastoma?
13q chromosome deletion
What are radiation-associated sarcomas?
Sarcomas that develop within a radiation field
When do radiation-associated sarcomas develop?
Usually after a latent period of at least 3 years
Of what type are the majority of radiation-induced sarcomas?
Osteosarcomas
What is osteosarcoma often associated with in adults?
- Underlying bone abnormality, such as Paget’s disease or fibrous dysplasia
- Where the bone has been irradiated previously
What genetic association is there with soft tissue sarcomas?
- Neurofibromatosis type 1
- Hereditary retinoblastoma
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
What exposures increases the risk of soft tissue sarcomas?
- Previous radiation therapy
- Exposure to chemicals such as vinyl chloride monomers
- Herbicides
Where does Ewing’s sarcoma typically arise from?
Axial skeleton
What genetic mutation is Ewing’s sarcoma associated with?
t(11;22) chromosomal translocation
How does a t(11;22) chromosomal translocation increase the risk of Ewing’s sarcoma?
It juxtaposes the EWS and FL11 genes, producing a hybrid transcript that is able to act as a master regulatory protein
Where do most osteosarcomas occur?
In the metaphyseal region of growing long bones, such as the distal femur, proximal tibia, and proximal humerus
What is Ewing’s sarcoma classically described as?
Classically a diaphyseal lesion
Does Ewing’s sarcoma always arise in the diaphysis?
No, it may arise from any region within an involved long bone
Where does Ewing’s sarcoma commonly arise?
- Flat bones of pelvis
- Scapula
Where are primary bone tumours of any histological subtypes extremely rare?
- Spine
- Sacrum
How do bone sarcomas typically present?
Localised pain
What course does the localised pain in bone sarcomas take?
Initially is insidious and transient, but worsens progressively
What other presenting features might be present with bone sarcomas?
- Localised soft tissue swelling, with or without associated erythema
- Joint effusions
- Decreased range of movement of adjacent joints
What might exacerbate the local symptoms of bone sarcomas?
Movement or weight bearing of the involved extremity
Are regional lymph nodes involved in bone sarcomas?
They are rarely involved
What constitutional symptoms may be present with bone sarcomas?
Constitutional symptoms are rare, however fever, malaise, and weight loss can be seen with Ewing’s sarcoma
How do soft tissue sarcomas usually present?
With painless soft tissue swelling
How might soft tissue sarcomas present if located within a body cavity?
- Pain
- Symptoms associated with pressure exerted on nearby structures
How might gastrointestinal stromal tumours present?
- Haematemesis
- Blood in faeces
- Anaemia
How might uterine sarcomas present?
- Vaginal bleeding
- Lower abdominal pain
What age does alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma present?
10-20
What are the most common sites of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma?
Thigh
What is the primary therapy for alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma?
Neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery
What is the overall 5 year survival of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma?
60%
What age does angiosarcoma present?
50-70
What are the most common sites of angiosarcoma?
- Skin
- Superficial soft tissues
What is the primary therapy of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma?
Wide excision and adjuvant radiation
What is the overall 5 year survival of angiosarcoma?
15%
What age does embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma present?
0-10
What are the most common sites of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma?
- Head and neck
- Genitourinary
What is the primary therapy for embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma?
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery
What is the overall 5 year survival for embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma?
40%
What age does fibrosarcoma present?
20-50
What are the most common sites of fibrosarcoma?
- Thigh
- Arm
- Head and neck
What is the primary therapy for fibrosarcoma?
Wide excision and adjuvant radiotherapy
What is the 5 year survival for well differentiated fibrosarcoma?
90%
What is the 5 year survival for poorly differentiated fibrosarcoma?
50%