Sarcoma

What is Sarcoma?

Sarcomas are very rare cancers of the body’s connective tissues which include muscles, tendons, fat, and bones. Because sarcomas are not only rare but difficult to diagnose and treat, it’s important to trust your care to a multidisciplinary team of experts like those at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health who offer the most advanced technology and treatments. We work together to provide each patient with a personalized plan that offers the best possible outcome, while staying focused on your goals for your quality of life.

Types of Sarcomas

Sarcomas are complex cancers that can develop anywhere in the body but are found mostly in the arms, legs, chest, and abdomen. There are two main types of sarcomas: soft tissue and bone. Our specialists evaluate, diagnose and treat all types of sarcoma, including:

Bone sarcoma: Cancer that begins in bone. Very rare; less than 1% of all cancer diagnosed in the U.S. Most bone sarcoma occurs in children and young adults.

Osteosarcoma: The most common type of primary malignant (cancerous) bone tumor, developing in the bones, cartilage, fibrous tissue and bone marrow

Soft tissue sarcoma: Develops in connective tissue, including muscles, tendons, blood vessels, nerves, and synovial tissues (found around the joints)

Ewing sarcoma: A type of tumor that forms from a neuroendocrine cell or soft tissue. Often occurs in teenagers and young adults under the age of 25.

Rhabdomyosarcoma: Starts in the muscles and connective tissue. Usually occurs in children and teenager, but can also form in adults.

Treatment for Sarcomas

Treatment options for sarcomas vary depending on the type of sarcoma, the stage, possible side effects, and the patient’s overall health and preferences. Our team will carefully discuss all of these considerations with you, answer your questions, and then develop a personalized treatment plan. Your plan may include these most common types of treatment:

• Surgery: Removes the tumor and some surrounding tissue
• Chemotherapy: Medication that kills cancer cells
• Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells
• Proton therapy: Uses proton energy (positively charged atoms) to attack only the cancer and not healthy tissue
• Targeted therapy: Targets cancer-specific genes or proteins that contribute to cancer growth
• Immunotherapy: Uses the body’s natural immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells

What Causes Sarcoma?

Scientists don’t fully understand the cause of sarcomas. Although most sarcomas do not have a known cause, these conditions and treatments may play a role.

Previous radiation therapy: If you were treated for cancer with radiation therapy in the past, you have a slightly higher risk of developing sarcoma in that area.

Genetics: Certain inherited conditions can increase your risk for sarcoma. Our team can talk to you about your family history and how it could impact a diagnosis of sarcoma.

Immune system disorders: People with HIV or autoimmune conditions including lupus and psoriasis have a higher risk of developing sarcoma.

Lymphedema: People who experience lymphedema, a side effect of surgery or radiation therapy causing swelling of the arms, legs, or other parts of the body may have an elevated risk for sarcomas.

Experienced, Caring Specialists

Our multidisciplinary team consists of clinicians and supportive services staff members who help assure the best possible experience for every patient.

• Medical oncologists
• Surgical oncologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Plastic surgeons
• Diagnostic radiologists
• Pathologists
• Nurse navigators
• Genetic counselors
• Social workers
• Palliative care team
• Dietitians
• Physical therapists
• Financial services professionals
• Chaplains

Part of Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center

Our team of experts works together, and in close collaboration with colleagues at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center, meeting weekly to discuss every patient’s unique case. That means you have the dual benefit of close-to-home care, and access to the newest therapies through clinical trials and academic level research.

Request an Appointment for Sarcoma Care