Sarcoma
Overview
Sarcoma is a term that refers to a broad group of cancers that begin in the connective tissue. The word sarcoma is derived from the greek word sarkōma which translates into “fleshy excrescence or substance”. Sarcomas are divided into two major groups depending on the tissue the cancer originates from. These are bone sarcomas and soft-tissue sarcomas. Sarcomas are rare, but affect people of all ages. The chances of a healthy person being diagnosed with bone sarcoma is less than 0.001%, while the chances of being diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma is between 0.0014-0.005%. Risk factors that may raise a person’s risk of developing sarcoma include inherited and genetic syndromes, chronic swelling (lymphedema), exposure to radiation, and an HIV infection.
Diagnosis
Patients with bone sarcomas typically experience bone pain, especially at night, and swelling around the site of the tumor. Symptoms of soft-tissue sarcomas vary, but they mostly present as firm, painless lumps or nodules. After a physical examination, if our medical team wants to rule out sarcoma as the cause of your symptoms, they may recommend imaging studies such as a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If a mass is detected, then our experienced surgeon will take a biopsy and examine the sample to confirm the diagnosis. To assess the potential spread of the sarcoma, your GMI medical team may recommend further imaging, including a positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET / CT).
Treatment
Like other types of cancer, treatment varies greatly depending on the type of sarcoma and how the cancer has progressed. Every step in the diagnostic procedure helps the GMI team tailor each treatment plan to each patient, taking into consideration your individual case and personal preferences. To determine the best course of action each patient’s case is discussed in a multidisciplinary tumor board where several experts from our team come together to create your comprehensive treatment plan. Sarcoma is treated mainly through surgery. Your medical team may also recommend chemotherapy or radiotherapy, either before or after surgery, depending on your individual case. For cases where the cancer is at a more advanced stage, our Medical Oncology team will propose the best treatment plan for each patient, which will include the newest regimen of systemic therapies like targeted therapy, chemotherapy and / or immunotherapy.
Why GMI
At the GMI German Oncology Center, a dedicated team of internationally acclaimed physicians guides each sarcoma patient through their entire journey, from their diagnostic work-up to their treatment and post-treatment care. The GMI is one of the few institutes in Europe that offers intraoperative radiotherapy for sarcoma patients. In this modern approach, our radiation oncology team will join the surgeons during the operation to deliver a high dose of radiation to the tumor bed. This approach aims to kill any remaining invisible tumor cells, without irradiating healthy tissue.
The GMI team will never offer a simple “one size fits all” approach to any patient. We believe each patient’s case is as individual as they are and strive to find the best solution for each of our patients, taking their specific case and diagnosis, their lifestyle, and choices into account.
We believe each of our patients is more than their diagnosis. That’s why our dedicated paramedics team supports sarcoma patients on their journey by offering more than just expert medical care. We offer psychological help, integrative oncology services (including yoga classes, and acupuncture) and have a GMI Patient Advocacy Program.
Adhering to our passion for innovation, and desire to progress the medical field, the GMI German Oncology Center both initiates and participates in several clinical trials in which the most modern and advanced treatment concepts are tested.
