Sarcoma is a type of cancer that affects the connective tissues of the body, such as bones, muscles, and tendons. Treatment for sarcoma depends on the type, location, and stage of the cancer. Surgery is the most common treatment for sarcoma, but chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy may also be used. The latest treatments for sarcoma are tailored to the individual, taking into account the patient’s age, overall health, and other factors.
Surgery
Surgery is the primary treatment for sarcoma. The extent of the surgery depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the stage of the cancer. A wide local excision is the most common type of surgery, where the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue are removed. In some cases, a limb-sparing procedure may be used to remove the tumor without affecting the function of the limb. In more advanced cases, a limb-salvage procedure may be used to remove the cancerous tissue while preserving the function of the limb.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It may be used before surgery to shrink the tumor, or after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. In some cases, chemotherapy may be used to control the cancer and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy beams of radiation to destroy cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor and kill any remaining cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to target specific molecules in cancer cells. It may be used to control the cancer and improve the patient’s quality of life. Examples of targeted therapies for sarcoma include immunotherapy, which uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer cells, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which block certain proteins that help cancer cells grow and spread.