Sarcoma in Children
Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that occurs mainly in children and young adults. It can develop in any part of the body, including the skin, but most commonly occurs in the arms and legs. Sarcoma is a type of cancer that grows in the soft tissue of the body, like muscle, fat, nerves, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, and deep skin tissues. Sarcoma can often be difficult to diagnose, as it is not usually seen on the surface of the body and can grow for a long time before being noticed.
Incidence
Sarcoma is rare in children, accounting for about 1% of all childhood cancers. Approximately 2,500 new cases of sarcoma are diagnosed in children and teens in the United States each year. Sarcoma is more common in males than females, and is most commonly found in adolescents and young adults between the ages of 10 and 19.
Types
There are several different types of sarcoma that can occur in children. The most common type is Ewing sarcoma, which is a cancerous tumor that grows in the bones or in the soft tissue around the bones. Other types of sarcoma that can occur in children include rhabdomyosarcoma, which is a cancerous tumor that grows in the muscles, and Kaposi sarcoma, which is a cancerous tumor that grows in the skin, lymph nodes, or other organs.
Treatment
Treatment for sarcoma in children typically includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or surgery. Treatment will depend on the type of sarcoma, the size and location of the tumor, and the age and overall health of the patient. Surgery is often used to remove the tumor and the surrounding tissue, while radiation therapy is used to kill any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy is used to kill the cancer cells throughout the body.
Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer in children, but early detection and treatment can improve the chances of survival and reduce the risk of complications. If you have any concerns about sarcoma in your child, it is important to speak to your doctor as soon as possible.