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What is Sarcoma?

A cancerous tumour that occurs in bone or soft tissue is referred to as a sarcoma. Soft tissues support other structures of the body, including:

  • Fat, muscle.
  • Ligaments.
  • Tendons.
  • Cartilage.
  • Blood vessels.
  • Nerves.

Sarcomas are rare, occurring in approximately 1% of all cancers diagnosed in adults and 15% of all cancers diagnosed in children. Approximately 16,000 sarcomas are diagnosed yearly in the United States, comprising roughly 13,000 soft tissue and approximately 4,000 bone sarcomas.

Types of Sarcoma

A group of sarcoma cancers occurs in connective tissues, such as cartilage, muscles, fat, and bones. Sarcomas occur in two main types:

  • Soft tissue sarcomas occur in the body's soft tissues, which include muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, and fibrous tissues. Some of the various types of soft tissue sarcomas include:
    • Liposarcoma (tissue containing fat)
    • Smooth muscle tissue, or leiomyosarcoma
    • Bone skeletal muscle tissue rhabdomyosarcoma
    • Sarcoma synovial (joint tissues)
    • Angiovascular angiosarcoma
    • (fibrous tissue) Fibrosarcoma
    • Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST)
  • Bone sarcoma develops in the bones. Common types are:
    • Osteosarcoma (bone)
    • Chondrosarcoma (cartilage tissue)
    • Ewing's Sarcoma (bone and soft tissue)
    • Fibrosarcoma of bone tissue

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Early treatment is necessary for cancer, particularly Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC), because it enhances prognoses, reduces the risk of metastasis, and prevents the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. Early intervention facilitates increased treatment modalities, less toxic medications, and higher survival rates. Delaying therapy may lead to more severe stages, which are more challenging to treat and harm the quality of life and prognosis. Enhancing the chance of recovery and long-term health demands early diagnosis and treatment.

What are the Common Symptoms of Sarcoma?

The following are common symptoms of sarcoma:

  • A lump or swelling that initially might not be painful but later becomes painful.
  • Pain in the area near the tumour site, especially if the tumour presses on nerves or muscles.
  • Tiredness and overall ill feeling.
  • Unexplained loss of appetite or weight loss.
  • The affected area is limited in mobility or stiffness, especially in bone sarcomas.
  • Bone pain or fracture if the cancer involves the bones.
  • The tumour might be red or warm near the skin's surface.

Causes and Risk Factors of Sarcoma

Causes

While the specific cause of sarcoma is often not known, several variables can increase the risk, including:

  • Genetic Factors: Inherited disorders, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Gardner syndrome, and Von Recklinghausen disease (neurofibromatosis type 1), can increase sarcoma risk.
  • Radiation Exposure: Sarcoma risk in the treated area can be increased by previous radiation treatment for other malignancies.
  • Chronic Lymphedema: Swelling that persists due to lymphatic fluid obstruction, often after radiation or surgery, may increase the risk, particularly for angiosarcoma.

Risk Factors

Your chances of developing sarcoma can be higher because of various factors. Risk factors are:

  • Chemical exposure: Arsenic and certain chemicals are required to manufacture wood preservatives (chlorophenols), herbicides (phenoxyacetic acid), and plastics (vinyl chloride monomer).
  • Radiation: Excessive radiation exposure from earlier cancer treatments.
  • Lymphedema: Protracted swelling of the arms or legs is called lymphedema.
  • Genetic diseases: Certain genetic diseases and mutations in chromosomes, such as tuberous sclerosis, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, retinoblastoma, von Hippel-Lindau disease, Gorlin syndrome, Gardner syndrome, Werner syndrome, and neurofibromatosis type 1.

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Sarcoma Prevention Tips

The following tips can prevent sarcoma:

  • Limit unnecessary radiation exposure, including exposure from medical tests, and follow protection guidelines when undergoing radiation therapy.
  • For surveillance and early detection, consider genetic counselling if you have a family history of genetic conditions that predispose you to sarcomas, like Li-Fraumeni syndrome or neurofibromatosis.
  • Regular medical checkups can help identify potential sarcoma risks or signs.
  • Consume a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to enhance overall health and boost the immune system.

Treatment options for Sarcoma

Surgery is the main form of treatment for most sarcomas. Its goal is to remove the growth and a portion of healthy tissue around it to help destroy all the cancer cells.

Chemotherapy: For high-stage sarcomas or where the cancer is widespread. It can be utilised before surgery (neoadjuvant) to reduce tumours or after surgery (adjuvant) to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.


Cost Start From USD 600 - USD 700Explore Options

Radiation Therapy: Typically applied to sarcomas not easily removed by surgery or spreading cancer. It may also be used before surgery to lower the chances of recurrence.

Brachytherapy, or internal radiation, is a treatment for sarcoma that has not spread. There are two ways of giving brachytherapy: intra-operative radiotherapy, which is given during surgery, and interstitial brachytherapy, which is provided through several catheters (plastic tubes) after surgery.


Cost Start From USD 1500 - USD 3260Explore Options

Targeted Therapy: Involves medications that selectively target cancer cells with less harm to normal tissues. It is commonly applied to certain sarcoma types with specific genetic mutations.


Cost Start From USD 8000 - USD 12000Explore Options

Immunotherapy: This recent approach enhances the body's immune system to combat cancer cells more effectively. It can be applied to some sarcomas, particularly in clinical trials.


Cost Start From USD 3000 - USD 5000Explore Options

X-rays capture images of your body's soft tissues and bones with small amounts of radiation.

A computed tomography (CT) scan produces cross-sectional images of your body by merging several X-ray images with computers.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) creates clear pictures of your internal organs with radio waves, large magnets, and a computer. If an X-ray shows something unusual, your doctor may order an MRI to get more detailed pictures.

Bone scan: To identify bone illnesses such as bone sarcoma, your physician will inject a small amount of radioactive substance into your body.

PET scan employs a unique glucose tracer that adheres to cells with high glucose levels, such as cancer cells. A PET scan reveals areas of your body with abnormally high glucose levels, which may indicate a tumour.

Biopsy: Your doctor takes a tissue out of your tumour and sends it to a laboratory for analysis. A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to determine whether the tissue is a sarcoma. Your doctor can learn more about the type of sarcoma you have and potential treatments due to this analysis.

MediRehab (chain of Rehab centres - Part of MediGence) provides comprehensive rehabilitation services designed to support Sarcoma patients in India. These services include:

Physical therapy: Assists in the recovery of mobility, strength, and flexibility, particularly after radiotherapy or surgery. It aids in function recovery, mainly when the sarcoma affects joints or muscles.

Occupational therapy: Assists individuals in adapting to their daily routines and increasing their ability to perform tasks at work or home, especially after surgery or other treatments that affect motor skills.

MediGence can assist and guide you in selecting the best physician and medical facility for your care.

  • Depending on the situation, your healthcare professional may prescribe medicine to help control your symptoms and support the treatment plan.

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Hospitals for Sarcoma in India

Clear Medi Hospital, Karkardooma: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Clear Medi Hospital, Karkardooma

Delhi, India

Clear Medi Hospital, Karkardooma located in New Delhi, India is accredited by ISO. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • There are 12 Linear Accelerators in all hospitals of Clear Medi Hospital, Delhi, India and more in the development stage.
  • Over 25 surgical and medical specialties across all Clear Medi Hospitals
  • Care Medi is one of the biggest Oncology care organisations in India.
  • Hospital management solutions provided to over 15 partner healthcare organisations managing more than 300 beds.
  • The organisation consists of offerings such as clinical manpower management and equipment management.
  • Advanced radiology and nuclear medicine centres
  • Professionally managed international patient care
  • Clear Medi Hospital, Delhi has a capacity of 100 beds.
  • Clear Medi is a multispecialty hospital.
  • It is a NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare providers) certified hospital.
  • It has Oncology and Cardiac departments with an Intensive Care Unit.
  • It also has fully equipped Operation Theatres.
  • Clear Medi Hospital ensures coordination with patients and International Patient assistance
  • It has an online Tumor Board with a number of Medical, Surgical and Radiation Oncologists.
American Oncology Institute: Top Doctors, and Reviews
American Oncology Institute

Hyderabad, India

American Oncology Institute located in Hyderabad, India is accredited by AAAHC. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Equipped with the most advanced technology
  • TruebeamStx + Calypso combination used for precise radiation therapy
  • Backed by advanced equipment like 4D PET CT Imaging, Luminous Acupulse DUO laser, Rapid Arc, MRI, Brachytherapy, Digital Mammography 
  • Radiation oncology techniques- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, Rapid Arc, Image-Guided Radiation Therapy,
  • Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
  • All types of patient accommodation available which provide a comfortable stay to the patients & relatives.
  • Fully equipped ICUs with the latest monitoring & therapeutic facilities for critically ill patients
  • In house 24/7 blood bank for medical oncology service
  • Well-designed patient rooms, therapy rooms OTs, consultation chambers, ICUs, walkways, lounges, parking
  • Digital Breast Tomosynthesis is the breast imaging digital technology with 3D imaging
  • Dedicated leukemia wing caters to the needs of the patients who are at a high risk of developing an infection
  • State-of-the art PET CT, GE Discovery IQ 3 Ring16 PET with LightBurst technology
  • Individual cabins for patients needing chemotherapy
  • Friendly facility for differently-abled
  • Exclusive outpatient consulting section
  • Airport pick-up & drop
  • Accommodation
  • Currency exchange
  • The estimated cost of treatment
  • Language interpreters
  • Payment
  • Medical opinion
  • Additional services
  • Relationship manager
  • Meals
  • 24/7 Personal nurses*
  • Visa assistance
The Madras Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology: Top Doctors, and Reviews
The Madras Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology

Chennai, India

MIOT started its journey with only 70 beds and focusing on Orthopedics and Trauma care. However, we grew into a multi-specialty hospital with time. MIOT is now a 1000-bedded hospital and can offer an extensive range of services across 63 specialties. The state of art laboratory of our hospital is ranked 8th internationally. We have 21 super-specialty operation theaters equipped with cutting-edge technology to help our doctors with complex procedures.

We take great care to make our patient rooms comfortable enough. The patient rooms get plenty of fresh air as well as natural light. The soothing views from the rooms do not let the patients feel cut off from the outside world. We use separate entrances for emergency patients, out-patients, in-patients, and their attendants. We put our patients’ safety first which is why we use a superior air system to ensure a near-zero infection healthy environment.

Apart from that, MIOT’s 24 hours blood bank provides all kinds of blood work related services which include blood collection to component separation. This state-of-art blood bank alone handles more than 30,000 units of blood over the course of a year. Every month around 600 blood transfusions are managed by this blood bank.

MIOT’s SIGNA Pioneer 3T MRI machine is made with noise reduction technology. This silent MRI machine can deliver superior quality neuroimages without wasting any time. The department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences can give tough competition to any international hospital with its advanced technology and accuracy.

The PET CT service at MIOT International is the first of its kind in South India enabling better and more accurate diagnosis than earlier. The superior diagnosis is also possible for the two digital cath labs at MIOT Heart Revive center.

We also have a physiotherapy team where a team of highly efficient physiotherapists deals with the mobility and functional disability issues of our patients. They listen to the patients carefully to identify the root of the pain and use therapeutic exercises to reduce their pain.

The CCU of MIOT is something to be proud of. The specially-trained staff of this unit is dedicated to ensuring top-quality medical support to serious patients. This unit along with the MIOT International Laboratory is the backbone of our facility.

Furthermore, what makes MIOT unique is our Telemedicine service. In the new normal, we are trying everything to reach our patients. Our one of its kind Telemedicine service connects our patients to our 250 full-time doctors over email, phone, chat and video consultations.

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We handle flights, visas, transfers, and accommodation—so you can focus on your health.

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Our In-house rehabilitation service packages to better your recovery and treatment outcome

Why Choose India for Sarcoma Treatment?

India is famous for its excellent medical treatment, including the latest sarcoma treatment, at affordable rates. The latest technology, personalised treatment, and experienced physicians all help patients. Hospitals throughout the country provide a range of treatments, such as radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. India is an attractive destination for sarcoma treatment because it has global accreditation and professional care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most of the sarcomas in India occur in young individuals and children, particularly individuals between 10 and 30 years of age. This group is more prone to develop some forms of sarcomas, such as Ewing's sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Old individuals, particularly those above 50, also produce some forms of sarcoma, like osteosarcoma. The age at diagnosis can vary depending on the specific sarcoma type.

If the tumor is small and entirely removed, surgery is the primary treatment for sarcoma in India. The initial treatment is often surgical resection of the tumour and a portion of normal tissue around it. This can raise the patient's long-term survival prospects, especially in early-stage sarcomas.

The size of the tumour, its location, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts affect the success of surgery. Surgery is often used in conjunction with other therapies, such as radiation or chemotherapy, to improve outcomes.

Yes, chemotherapy is commonly used in India to treat sarcoma, particularly when the cancer has already spread to other areas of the body or is advanced. Chemotherapy is often employed as an adjuvant treatment (following surgery) to eliminate any remaining cancer cells or as a neoadjuvant treatment (before surgery) to shrink the tumour.

In addition, it is applied to enhance the effectiveness of other therapies for certain sarcoma types, including rhabdomyosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma. The stage and type of sarcoma decide what drugs are given as chemotherapy.

In India, the type, stage, and site of a sarcoma and the patient's overall condition influence the survival rate and prognosis. With proper management, including surgery and chemotherapy, the 5-year survival rate for early-stage sarcomas can be as high as 70% to 80%. However, depending on how the patient responds to treatment, the survival rate in advanced or metastatic sarcomas could be much less, from 30% to 50%.

In India, sarcoma can recur after treatment, especially if it is left partially eliminated or is diagnosed at an advanced level. Local recurrences may spread to other parts of the body. Routine follow-ups ensure early detection. The likelihood of recurrence is based on the type of sarcoma and the success of past treatment.

The location, stage, and type of sarcoma and the treatment plan typically dictate how long sarcoma treatment lasts in India. Although recovery can take weeks, surgery can last only a few hours. Treatments are given every few weeks during rounds of chemotherapy, which last three to six months. Radiation therapy sessions are typically four to six weeks of daily sessions.