Four Sarcomas You Need to Know About

• If you are already aware of sarcomas—cancers of the bone and connective tissues—you might know they often start as lumps or bumps on the legs or arms. But sarcomas can start anywhere on the body or inside it.

  Sarcomas are rare cancers with over 50 different subtypes. At Fox Chase Cancer Center, our Sarcoma Program has experience treating these rare types of sarcomas. We care for tumors that arise in multiple places including sarcomas that start in the back of the abdominal cavity, called retroperitoneal sarcoma, and those that affect the digestive system.

  Here are four common types of sarcomas found in the abdomen and retroperitoneum that we treat—and that you might not have heard a lot about.

  1. Liposarcoma 

  These tumors start from fat cells, usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs. Liposarcomas that develop in the back of the abdomen (retroperitoneum) are called retroperitoneal sarcomas. One example—well-differentiated liposarcoma—makes up almost half of liposarcomas. Around 2,500 cases of liposarcoma are reported in the U.S. each year.

  2. Leiomyosarcoma 

  Leiomyosarcomas, cancers of the smooth muscle cells, can also start in the retroperitoneum and the smooth muscles of the uterus. Among soft-tissue sarcomas, leiomyosarcomas are relatively common, accounting for up to 20% of tumors. Every year, about 3,000 people in the U.S. receive this diagnosis.

  3. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors

  These tumors develop from special cells that move food through the digestive tract. The most common sites are the stomach and small intestines. As many as 4,000 of these tumors are detected each year. Fox Chase has a long-standing history and one of the largest experiences in the country of treating patients with GIST.

  4. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma

  Malignant fibrous histiocytoma is the former name for these tumors. They tend to develop in the legs or arms and sometimes in the retroperitoneum. When aggressive, they can spread to the lungs, lymph nodes, or other organs or come back to the same site.

  Sarcoma symptoms can vary widely.

  When sarcoma starts deep in the body, tumors can grow to be exceptionally large before they press on other tissues and cause symptoms. When signs and symptoms do occur, they vary by the location and size of the tumor. In general, warning signs include:

  • A lump or mass under the skin. (You should tell your doctor about any new or growing lump.)
  • Pain or swelling of the abdomen.
  • Weakness in an arm or leg.
  • A meaningful change in bowel habits, such as constipation or bloody stools.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Losing weight without trying.

  Tell your doctor if you have any of these or other signs or symptoms that concern you.

  A team approach to treating sarcoma.

  When it comes to sarcoma, where you start your treatment matters. Sarcoma is a rare and often complex type of cancer, and abdominal tumors may affect multiple organ systems. Experienced specialists may lead to better outcomes. That is just what you will find at Fox Chase, which is home to the latest sarcoma treatments and world-class doctors and researchers.

  Often, sarcoma treatment combines one or more options, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. For example, the surgeon may be able to remove a sarcoma, followed by radiation to keep it from coming back. Chemotherapy might be used to treat sarcomas that have spread away from the original tumor site. At Fox Chase, a sarcoma clinical trial may also be a possibility.

  To schedule an appointment at Fox Chase Cancer Center, call 888-369-2427 or request an appointment online.