Sarcoma Flashcards
What are sarcomas?
Cancers originating in:
- Muscles
- Bones
- Connective tissue
What are the types of bone sarcoma?
Osteosarcoma- most common form
Chondrosarcoma- cartilage
Ewing sarcoma- bone and soft tissue cancer
Who is most affected by Ewing sarcomas?
Children or young adults
What are the different types of soft tissue sarcomas?
Rhabdomyosarcoma- skeletal muscle
Leiomyosarcoma- smooth muscle
Liposarcoma- adipose
Synovial sarcoma- synovial tissue
Angiosarcoma- blood and lymph vessels
Kaposi’s sarcoma- Human herpesvirus 8, seen in end-stage HIV
How do sarcomas present?
Varies on location and size usual suspicious signs are:
- Soft tissue lump
- Bone swelling
- Persistent bone pain
What investigations are used for sarcomas?
X-rays
Investigation for bony lumps or pain
Ultrasound
Soft tissue lumps
CT or MRI
Used more for metastatic spread
Biopsy
Histology of cancer
Why is CT especially used for sarcomas?
CT of the thorax as sarcoma spreads often to the lungs
What staging system is used for staging sarcomas?
TNM
What is the most common location for sarcoma to metastasise to?
Lungs
Who deals with sarcomas?
Sarcoma MDT
What treatment is available for sarcoma?
Surgery- resection is preferential
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Palliative care
