Karmanos Cancer Institute Recognizes Sarcoma Awareness Month

DETROIT, July 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, along with cancer centers and other organizations across the nation, recognizes July as Sarcoma Awareness Month. Often called the "forgotten cancer," sarcoma refers to more than 70 subtypes of cancer that affect the body's connective tissue.

Sarcomas occur when cells grow abnormally in the tissues that form bone, muscle, fat, tendons and cartilage. Because they vary between subtypes, symptoms can range from swelling to fatigue or bone breaks and persistent pain. A complete list of symptoms and risk factors can be found below. Soft tissue sarcomas usually occur in younger people — those in their 20s and 30s — while bone sarcomas often occur in children when they are going through growth spurts.

"Sarcomas are rare. There are less than 13,000 soft tissue sarcoma diagnoses per year, so it affects a smaller population than some other cancers, such as breast cancer," explained Alysia Kemp, M.D., leader of the Sarcoma Multidisciplinary Team at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. "Because it's rare, less than one percent of all cancer diagnoses, there isn't as much awareness and research takes longer."

Sarcoma Treatment at Karmanos Cancer Institute
It is critical that sarcomas be treated by specialists at a center of excellence, such as Karmanos Cancer Institute, given their rarity. At Karmanos, sarcomas are treated by a multidisciplinary team of experts that includes radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, surgical oncologists, pathologists, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers and genetic counselors. The team works together and shares its collective expertise to create a customized treatment plan for each patient.

"Even though a patient might see one person at an appointment, they have the care of a whole team. The process is streamlined for the patient so they don't have unnecessary appointments but there are always about five to 10 people involved in the patient's care, working behind the scenes," said Dr. Kemp.

Patients who benefit most from a consultation with Sarcoma Multidisciplinary Team include:

• Patients with previously untreated sarcomas, proven or suspected
• Patients who have undergone surgery for sarcomas for considerations for further therapy
• Any patient with sarcoma who specifically requests being seen by Karmanos' Multidisciplinary Sarcoma Oncology Team to initiate treatment or for a second opinion.

Sarcoma Symptoms and Risk Factors
Because there are many types of sarcomas, symptoms can vary.

Soft tissue sarcomas often cause the following symptoms:

• A lump that grows over time that may or may not be painful
• Progressively worsening abdominal pain
• Blood in stool or vomit
• Black stool

Bone sarcomas often cause the following symptoms:

• Pain in the bones
• Bone weakness, which may lead to easy fractures or breaks
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Swelling and tenderness

Most lifestyle factors, such as diet and daily habits do not affect the risk of developing sarcoma. However, the following factors may lead to increased risk:

• Radiation or chemical exposure
• Inherited genetic mutations
• Altered lymph system

There is no preventative test for sarcoma. If patients show symptoms, they should contact a specialized physician to schedule a physical exam. Tests used to determine whether sarcoma is present may include x-rays, MRI, ultrasound and biopsy. 

Those interested in learning more about sarcoma may attend a webinar led by Dr. Kemp on Tuesday, July 28 at 5 p.m. EST. The webinar, titled Sarcoma: Don't Ignore the Lumps, is free and open to the public. To learn more and register, visit karmanos.org/sarcomawebinar.

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Karmanos Cancer Institute is headquartered in Detroit, with 16 locations throughout Michigan. As part of McLaren, Karmanos is the largest cancer care and research network in the state. It is among the nation's best cancer centers as one of the National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States and the only one located in metro Detroit. Karmanos cancer experts focus solely on cancer to prevent, detect and treat as well as eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the Wayne State University School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. For more information, call 1-800-KARMANOS (800-527-6266) or visit www.karmanos.org. Follow Karmanos on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute