Musculoskeletal Oncology

Musculoskeletal Oncology

Prevention

Prevention of bone cancer – Currently, there is no known way to prevent bone cancer. Early detection and correct management is the best chance for cure.

Long term outlook for patients with bone cancer

If treated in time and correctly,bone cancer patients usually do better than other cancer patients. On an average 5 year survival rate is 50-60% sometimes repeated surgeries are needed for mechanical reasons.

Soft Tissue Cancer

Overview

What is soft tissue cancer? –

Cancer in connective tissue.

How common is soft tissue sarcoma? 

1-2% of all cancers, are diagnosed to be soft tissue sarcoma.

Symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma?

Painless swelling that gradually progresses. Sometimes associated with pain due to pressure on vital structures.

Where sarcomas are usually found?

 Extremities, Head and Neck, Trunk.

What does a sarcoma lump feel like?

Sarcomas could be soft-cystic to hard depending on the location and histology.

What happens if sarcoma is not treated?

 It increases and progresses. It metastasize to lungs and other organs in the body.

Can Sarcoma be cured completely? 

Yes, it can be cured. But local or systemic relapse can not be predicted or prevented always .

What is the difference between carcinoma and sarcoma? 

 A carcinoma forms in the skin or tissue cells that line the body’s internal organs, such as the kidneys and liver. A sarcoma grows in the body’s connective tissue cells, which include fat, blood vessels, nerves, bones, muscles, deep skin tissues and cartilage.

How long does it take for sarcoma to spread? 

It can spread in a matter of weeks also depending on grade and histology.

Who is at risk for sarcoma? 

It can affect any age group or family history of cancer.

Diagnosis of soft tissue cancer?

Soft tissue cancers are diagnosed by MRI and Biopsy.

Treatment options of soft tissue cancer?

 Surgery is the mainstay. Radiation is often useful. Chemotherapy is rarely useful except specific histologies. 

What are the chances of soft tissue sarcoma returning?

 If inadequately treated, there are 70% chances it will recur. If treated adequately,  still there are  20% chance of recurrence.  

Nutrition & care for Bone cancer patients? 

Diet in Calcium rich food for bone health can help.