Home Health: Sarcoma in Children – Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment of This Rare Cancer
Sarcoma in children is a rare and severe disease caused by the improper development of tumors in soft tissues or bones. Sarcomas are cancerous growths that can appear in soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and connective tissue, as well as in bones. While they can develop anywhere on the body, childhood sarcomas most commonly affect the limbs, legs, chest, and abdomen.
Dr. Kavitha. A, a Consultant Pathologist at Metropolis Healthcare Limited, discussed the signs and symptoms of sarcoma cancer in children. According to Dr. Kavitha. A, sarcoma can develop either in bone or soft tissues. Around 850 to 900 children and adolescents are diagnosed with either rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) or one of the non-RMS soft tissue sarcomas (NRSTS) each year. RMS is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children aged 14 or younger, while non-RMS soft tissue sarcomas are more prevalent in adolescents.
Dr. Kavitha. A further explained that childhood sarcomas can occur anywhere in the body, but they are most commonly found in the arms, legs, chest, and abdomen. In some cases, sarcomas may spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs. The exact causes of most sarcomas remain unknown, but genetic and environmental factors are implicated in less than 10% of cases. Certain genetic conditions, prior radiation therapy, and infections with Epstein-Barr virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) can increase the likelihood of developing soft tissue sarcoma.
Depending on the location of the underlying tumor, different symptoms may be present at the time of diagnosis. Patients often present with a lump, discomfort, or orbital tumors that can cause proptosis. Night sweats, fever, or weight loss are rarely linked to soft tissue sarcoma.
In terms of diagnosis and treatment, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery are used to treat soft tissue tumors and eradicate any cancer that may have spread to the lungs. Proton treatment, targeted therapeutics, and precision radiation therapy are also options. Early identification significantly increases the likelihood of survival, so it is crucial to have any lumps or symptoms checked by a doctor, especially if the lump is painful or growing. The diagnosis of the tumor involves histopathological examination of tissue samples and radiological tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission transmission (PET). Genetic tests can also help confirm the diagnosis.