If you have a suspicious mass that could be sarcoma – regardless of body location – a sarcoma expert should see it first. Here's why:
1
You might avoid surgery
Our advanced diagnostic techniques may determine whether your tumor is benign, in which case you may not need any surgery, not even for a biopsy.
2
Some treatments should begin before tumor removal
Preoperative therapies like chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often used to prevent tumor cells from spreading and to improve surgeons' ability to remove it entirely, with clear margins. If your tumor is already removed before coming to a specialized center, your treatment choices may be limited.
3
Sarcoma tumors are unique
Sarcoma tumors have a fragile outer capsule that contains the cancer cells into a mass. If the outer capsule is damaged during biopsy or an operation to remove it, cancer cells can "spill" from the tumor, allowing them to spread or regrow. In addition, microscopic cancer cells often infiltrate beyond what appears to be the edges of the tumor and these tumors often occur near critical blood vessels and organs. Sarcoma tumors should be biopsied and/or removed only by a highly skilled and experienced surgeon who specializes in this rare cancer.
4
Less-invasive biopsy
Core needle biopsy that's guided by imaging such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) reduces the risk for cancer cells to spill from the tumor. This helps reduce the chance that the tumor will recur or that a patient would need more drastic surgery, such as amputation. Image-guided core biopsy takes only minutes with little or no discomfort.
"They're very rare, and not every practitioner is experienced in dealing with these types of tumors. Some hospitals may have never seen certain types of sarcomas before." — Jeffrey M. Farma, MD, FACS, Surgical Oncologist
"It's crucial to see a physician at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. You will be seen by a multidisciplinary team who specializes in sarcoma and can determine the best treatment plan for your specific disease."
Seeking a Sarcoma Specialist at a Sarcoma Centers of Excellence is most important. Obtaining a second opinion to ensure that the diagnosis is correct, is always encouraged, to ensure that the appropriate treatment protocol is established. This Sarcoma Centers Directory can be found here: Click here.
