Medics believe this month is a critical time to shed light on a rare and often misunderstood group of cancers that can manifest at any age, although adults are more commonly diagnosed, in which early diagnosis can prove vital.
Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a diverse group of tumours that originate in the body’s connective tissues, encompassing muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels and other tissues.
July is Sarcoma Awareness Month, a critical time to shed light on this rare and often misunderstood group of cancers. The campaign aims to educate about the diverse types of sarcomas, their symptoms, and the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.
Royal Bahrain Hospital (RBH) medical oncology and hemato oncology consultant Dr Venkatesh Mushani emphasises the importance of early detection, explaining, “Soft tissue sarcomas often lack obvious symptoms in the early stages, which can lead to delayed diagnosis. We encourage individuals to be vigilant about any unexplained lumps, swelling, or pain and to seek medical attention promptly.”
These tumours can develop anywhere in the body, with the arms, legs, and trunk being frequent sites. The diverse nature and varying aggressiveness of STS pose significant diagnostic and treatment hurdles.
“Diagnosis typically involves a combination of imaging tests, such as MRI, CT scans and PET scans, along with a biopsy to confirm the presence of the tumour and identify its specific subtype,” added Dr Mushani.
Treatment for STS is multifaceted, often involving surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Complete tumour removal, while preserving healthy tissues and functionality, is the primary goal. In cases where the tumour is inoperable or has spread, systemic therapies like chemotherapy and targeted therapies may be employed to control tumour growth and manage symptoms.
Recent advancements in immunotherapy and targeted therapy offer newfound hope for improved outcomes for specific STS subtypes.
Dr Mushani is optimistic about the future. He said: “We are witnessing exciting developments in the treatment landscape for soft tissue sarcomas. These advancements hold the potential to enhance the prognosis and quality of life for affected individuals.
“In conclusion, soft tissue sarcomas present unique challenges due to their rarity and heterogeneity. However, through increased awareness of the symptoms, early diagnosis, comprehensive care and emerging treatment options, the medical community is making significant progress in improving the lives of those affected by soft tissue sarcomas.”
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