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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

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.

Sanar International Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Sanar International Hospital

Gurugram, India

Sanar International Hospital is a multispeciality hospital based on Golf Course Road in Gurugram, a part of Delhi NCR. It was founded in 2018 and houses one of the most comprehensive and advanced surgical care specialties. This 150-bedded facility is committed to providing the best patient experiences and healthcare services is the core of the hospital’s mission. Staffed by a group of visionary and competent medical professionals who are well-versed in their fields and eminent for their empathy and understanding, Sanar International Hospital provides optimal care to its patients, making it a popular

Specialties in the Hospital such as Heart, Bone, and Joint neurosciences, Cancer, Kidney and Liver Transplant, and other successful procedures along with experienced medical professionals have made a mark for themselves among domestic patients and international patients who come to India to have the finest healthcare services. It follows strict international practices and believes that the centricity of the patient is essential for providing high-quality care through world-class infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities. The technologies offered by the Hospital include Digital X-rays, MRI, CT, Ultrasound, transfusion medicine, pharmacy, laboratory services, 24 hrs emergency and ambulance services.

It offers more than 20 plus specialties such as General Medicine, Anesthesiology, Cardiac Sciences, Ophthalmology, Gastroenterology, Hematology, Orthopedics, General Surgery & Surgical, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hepato Biliary Surgery, Pediatrics, Liver Transplantation, and Critical Care Medicine. The Hospital has a highly skilled medical staff of neuro-anesthetists, neurologists, specialized neurocritical care experts, neurosurgeons neuropsychologists, and neuropsychiatrists. There are specific centers for the treatment of epilepsy, stroke, brain tumors, movement disorders, spinal problems, and headaches.

Seven Hills Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Seven Hills Hospital

Mumbai, India

Seven Hills Hospital located in Mumbai, India is accredited by JCI, NABH, NABL. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • It is spread over an area of 17 acres.
  • There is also an academic institute with research facilities.
  • SevenHills Hospital has excellent diagnostic services including a laboratory and a provision for various tests.
  • Given that their are specific departments for various kinds of diagnostsic. Tests like PET Scan, MRI, CT scan and biopsies are completed regularly.
  • Biochemistry, Hematology, Microbiology are some of the important diagnostic departments.
  • Endoscopies as well as non-invasive procedures are done through their respective departments.
  • Day care specialty services are available for those kinds of requirements.
  • Health Check up packages are also present as are the collaborations with many insurance organisations.
  • There are professionally managed in-patient and out-patient facilities.
  • There are more than 30 super specialties in Seven Hills Hospital Mumbai.
  • There are also Centres of Excellence in Cardiac Care, Neurosciences, Bone & Joint Care, Cancer Care, Nephrology and Cosmetic Dermatology.
  • International patient care services are also implemented for the best assistance to overseas patients.

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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.

Author

Nimra Haseeb
Nimra Haseeb

MSc Biochemistry

4 Years of Experience

Miss Nimra Haseeb is a medical researcher and a scientific content writer. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology and a Master’s in Biochemistry from Integral University, Lucknow. With strong experience in healthcare research, she specializes in secondary research, clinical data analysis, and evidence-based medical writing. Her work focuses on transforming complex scientific and medical information into clear, accurate, and reliable healthcare content for patients and healthcare audiences. She is also experienced in interpreting medical studies and healthcare trends to deliver well-researched and informative content that supports better health awareness and decision-making. View More

Reviewer

Dr. Mohit Agarwal
Dr. Mohit Agarwal

Medical Oncologist

14 Years of Experience

One of the finest Oncologist in New Delhi, India, Dr. Mohit Agarwal has worked with several world class multidisciplinary hospitals over the years. Dr. Mohit Agarwal has over 14+ years of experience in his field. The doctor treats and manages a wide range of conditions such as Stomach Cancer, Rectal Cancer, Breast Cancer, Brain Cancer View More

Last Reviewed - January 2026