Sarcoma: types of tumors, signs, causes, treatment and prognosis. Sarcoma: the truth about a rare and dangerous disease


is one of the varieties malignant neoplasms coming from cellular elements connective tissue. Since there is not a single organ and anatomical segment in the human body that does not contain connective tissue, sarcoma does not have a strict localization. Any areas are subject to such tumor transformation. human body. In practice, this is associated with conflicting statistics, according to which only 5% of all malignant neoplasms are sarcomas. But their peculiarity is such that the occurrence of such is associated with high mortality. Another feature of sarcomas is the predominant occurrence in young age during the period of active growth of the organism (the age of more than 35% of patients is less than 30 years).

General characteristics of sarcoma:

    High degree of malignancy;

    Invasive type of growth with germination of surrounding tissues;

    Growth to large sizes;

    Frequent and early metastasis to The lymph nodes and internal organs (liver, lungs);

    Frequent relapses after tumor removal.

Each of the types of sarcomas has favorite places of growth, age limits, connection with a certain gender and other factors. They differ from each other macroscopically and histologically, by the degree of malignancy, different susceptibility to metastasis and recurrence, depth of germination and prevalence. The vast majority of sarcomas grow in the form of nodes. different sizes and forms, do not have clear boundaries and in the cut they resemble fish meat of a pale gray hue with patches and a different number of vessels. Some sarcomas are characterized by rapid growth (weeks, months), but there are also tumors with a slow growth type (years, decades). Tumors of this type are always well supplied with blood.

The most common localization of sarcoma

The main derivatives of connective tissue in the body are bones, blood vessels, muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, connective tissue membranes and capsules. internal organs and nerves, connective tissue constrictions of adipose tissue and cellular spaces.

Depending on this and localization, tumor growth is most susceptible to:

    bones of the limbs;

    Soft tissues of the extremities (together with bone sarcomas, they account for 60% of all sarcomas);

    Soft tissues and bones of the body;

    Soft tissues, cellular spaces and bones of the head and neck;

    Connective tissue elements of the mammary glands and uterus;

    Fiber of the retroperitoneal space;

    Other rare localizations (internal organs, abdominal and pleural cavity, mediastinum, brain and peripheral nerves).

Histological classification and types of sarcoma

Among all malignant tumors, sarcoma has the greatest variety of histological types. Sarcomas include:

Type of sarcoma

The structure and description of the tumor

osteosarcoma

Formed from the cellular components of bone tissue

Chondrosarcoma

Represented by cartilage

Paraostal sarcoma

Formed from the periosteum and surrounding tissues

Reticulosarcoma

Tumor growth from bone marrow elements

Ewing's sarcoma

A type of osteosarcoma that predominantly affects the end sections of the long bones of the limbs

fibrosarcoma

Tumor of connective tissue elements and fibrous fibers

Angiosarcoma

The basis of the tumor is the growth of vascular elements

Stromal sarcomas gastrointestinal tract and other internal organs

Originate from the connective tissue that makes up the stroma of any organ

Liposarcoma

Tumor growing from adipose tissue

Rhabdomyosarcoma

The predominance of elements of striated muscles

Kaposi's sarcoma

Multiple tumor growths of blood vessels of the skin and lymphoid tissue against the background of immunodeficiency

Lymphangiosarcoma

Tumor with proliferation of components of the lymphatic vessels

Dermatofibrosarcoma

Tumor from skin structures with a connective tissue base

Synovial sarcoma

Tumor growth of their synovial membranes of the joints

Lymphosarcoma

Tumor growth from lymphoid tissue

Neurofibrosarcoma

Arises from nerve sheaths

Fibrous histiocytoma

Contains different types of connective tissue cells and fibers

Spindle cell sarcoma

Affects mucous membranes and consists of large spindle-shaped cells

Mesothelioma

The substrate of the tumor can be the mesothelium of the pericardium, peritoneum and pleura

Not always, even under a microscope, one can clearly distinguish the structure of the sarcoma and its histological type. The most important thing that must be established is the very fact of the origin of the tumor from the connective tissue and the degree of its differentiation.

Depending on this, there are:

    Poorly differentiated sarcomas. Tumors of this type have the lowest degree of malignancy, since their structure is not similar to the tissues from which they grow. They practically do not metastasize, grow slowly, are large, removal rarely causes relapses;

    Highly differentiated sarcomas. They are the absolute opposite of low-differentiated. In structure, they are similar to the tissues from which they originate, they are highly malignant, grow rapidly, metastasize early, and are difficult to treat. surgical treatment;

    Moderately differentiated sarcomas. Occupy an intermediate position between the previous types.

All malignant tumors human body are globally divided into epithelial - glandular - adenocarcinomas, and connective tissue - sarcomas. last view tumors are less common than others, but are characterized by the greatest variety of histological types and the possibility of affecting any organs, tissues and anatomical segments!

Sarcoma symptoms

Clinical picture sarcoma depends on the location and characteristics of its malignancy. The main symptoms of the disease are shown in the table.

Group of symptoms

Manifestations

Pain syndrome

    Intense or moderate pain at the site of tumor growth. More characteristic of high malignant sarcomas;

    Discomfort, bursting and feeling of a foreign body in the affected area. Characterizes slowly growing sarcomas with a low degree of differentiation;

The appearance of a tumor

    Visual determination of a tumor on the surface of the skin;

    Palpation determination of a tumor-like formation located at different depths from the skin surface;

    Deformity and swelling of the affected limb;

    Wound surface at the site of tumor growth, due to its decay;

    Decaying tumors are always accompanied by profuse fetid secretions from the decay surface.

Dysfunction of the affected organ or segment

    Inability to perform movements or walk with tumors of the soft tissues or bones of the extremities;

    With the growth of tumors from the internal organs, their size increases with impaired function and organ failure.

Invasion of surrounding tissues

    With germination or compression of blood vessels - circulatory disorders with gangrene of the limb or profuse bleeding;

    With germination or compression of the nerves - severe pain and weakness of the limb;

    With the germination of the retroperitoneal space - a violation of the outflow of urine and hydronephrosis;

    With compression of the organs of the mediastinum and neck - violations of swallowing and breathing;

    Enlarged lymph nodes near the tumor focus.

The presence of any symptoms of sarcoma is a direct indication for its confirmation or exclusion as soon as possible.

The following diagnostic methods can help with this:

    X-ray examination with suspicion of osteosarcoma and other bone tumors;

    Ultrasound procedure soft tissues or internal organs;

    Tomography. For bone tumors, it is more appropriate to perform computed tomography. Soft tissue tumors are better seen on MRI;

    Radioisotope methods diagnostics. Them diagnostic value increases with deep localization of tumors in cavities and cellular spaces;

    Tumor biopsy. With superficial tumors is not difficult. Deeply located tumors can only be examined under ultrasound or tomographic control;

    Angiography. The contrast agent injected into the arteries determines the local accumulation of vessels at the site of tumor growth and the nature of circulatory disorders below the site of sarcoma growth.

Causes of sarcoma

Any types of sarcomas, like all malignant neoplasms, are polyetiological diseases that occur under the influence of many causative factors. They are rarely identified.

The main culprits of the tumor transformation of the connective tissue can be:

    weighed down hereditary history and genetic predisposition;

    The damaging effect of ionizing radiation on the DNA of cells;

    The impact of oncogenic viruses on cells that trigger the mechanisms of uncontrolled division;

    Violation of the lymphatic drainage after surgery and pathological processes;

    Congenital and acquired immunodeficiencies,;

    Courses of chemotherapy and treatment with immunosuppressive drugs;

    Transplantation of internal organs;

    Traumatic injuries, extensive and long-term nonhealing , unrecovered foreign bodies soft tissues.

The implementation of the oncogenic action of causative factors in the development of sarcomas most often occurs in a growing organism. This is because it is much easier to cause damage in cells that are actively dividing. The rule is that what deeper damage DNA, the more malignant the sarcoma will be!


The division of sarcomas into stages is based on:

    The size of the primary tumor;

    Spread beyond the capsule of the organ or fascia of the anatomical formation from which the sarcoma grows (muscles, bones, tendons, etc.);

    Involvement in the process and germination of surrounding tissues;

    The presence of metastases in regional lymph nodes;

    Presence of metastasis to distant organs.

The histological type of the tumor does not affect the staging of sarcomas, in contrast to the primary location of the tumor in the body. It is exactly in which organ the sarcoma began its growth that most influences the determination of the stage of the process.

Sarcoma stage 1

Such sarcomas are small in size, do not go beyond the organ or segment from which they began to grow, do not disrupt its function, do not compress vital anatomical structures, are practically painless, and do not metastasize. Detection of even highly differentiated sarcoma at the first stage makes it possible to achieve good results treatment.

Signs of the first stage of sarcoma, depending on the specific localization, are:

    Sarcoma oral cavity and tongue - a tumor of about 1 centimeter comes from the mucous membrane or submucosal layer in the form of a small node with clear boundaries;

    Lip sarcoma - located within the submucosal layer, mucous membrane or in the thickness of the lip;

    Sarcoma of cellular spaces and soft tissues of the neck - can be up to 2 cm in size and does not go beyond the fascia, limiting the zone of its location;

    Sarcoma of the larynx - a node up to 1 cm limited by the mucous membrane, or other layers of the larynx, without going beyond its fascial sheath, does not cause pronounced violations phonation and respiration;

    Thyroid sarcoma is a tumor up to 1 cm with an intraorgan location in the thickness of the tissues. The capsule does not germinate;

    Breast sarcoma - is defined as a node up to 2-3 cm, located within the lobule from which its growth began;

    Sarcoma of the esophagus - the size of the tumor is up to 1-2 cm, located in the thickness of the wall of the organ. The passage of food through the esophagus is not disturbed;

    Sarcoma of the lung - affects one of the segmental bronchi. Does not go beyond the segment and does not violate lung function;

    Testicular sarcoma - has the appearance of a small node and does not involve the protein membrane in the process;

    Soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities - the node can reach 5 cm, but does not go beyond the fascial cases.

General characteristics of sarcomas of the second stage: intraorgan location with germination of all layers, an increase in the size of the tumor, dysfunction of the organ, the absence of metastases.

When specific organs are affected, it looks like this:

    Sarcoma of the oral cavity and tongue - the tumor is clearly visible when visual inspection, located in the thickness of the anatomical formation, but all its layers grow, including the mucous membrane and facies;

    Lip sarcoma - the node is located in the thickness of the lip, but it grows into the skin and mucous membrane;

    Sarcoma of cellular spaces and soft tissues of the neck - the tumor reaches 3-5 cm and goes beyond the fascia, limiting the space of its growth;

    Sarcoma of the larynx - a node more than 1 cm with spread through all layers of the organ, impaired phonation and respiration;

    Thyroid sarcoma - the size of the node is about 2 cm, the capsule of the organ is involved in the pathological process;

    Sarcoma of the breast - the size of the tumor is about 5 cm, several segments grow;

    Sarcoma of the esophagus - the tumor grows through the entire thickness of the wall of the esophagus from the mucous to the serous layer with the involvement of the fascia. Severe dysphagia;

    Sarcoma of the lung - the tumor causes compression of the bronchi or spreads to neighboring lung segments;

    Sarcoma of the testicle - germination of the tumor of the protein membrane;

    Sarcoma of the soft tissues of the extremities - the germination of a tumor of fascial formations, which limits the anatomical segment (muscle, cellular space).

The principle of isolating the second stage of sarcoma is that such tumors are located within the organ, but require extended excision of tissues when they are removed. The results are worse than in the first stage of the process, but relapses do not occur often.

The third stage of sarcoma involves the germination of the tumor fascia and organs located in close proximity to the tumor, or the presence of metastasis in the regional, in relation to it, lymph nodes.

For specific organs, it looks like this:

    Sarcoma of the oral cavity and tongue is a primary tumor of large size, expressed pain syndrome, normal anatomical relationships and chewing are disturbed. There are metastases in the submandibular and cervical lymph nodes;

    Lip sarcoma is a large tumor that sharply deforms the lip with possible spread to the surrounding mucosal areas. Metastases in the submandibular or lymph nodes of the neck;

    Sarcoma of the cellular spaces and soft tissues of the neck are pronounced signs of dysfunction of the neck organs (swallowing, breathing, disorders of innervation and blood supply). The tumor grows to a large size and invades the vessels, nerves, adjacent organs of the neck. There are metastases in the superficial and deep cervical and thoracic lymph nodes;

    Sarcoma of the larynx - sharply disrupts breathing and voice. Vessels, nerves, neighboring fascia germinate. There are metastases in the superficial and deep lymphatic collectors of the neck;

    Thyroid sarcoma - sprouts adjacent to thyroid gland fabrics. There are metastases in the cervical lymph nodes;

    Breast sarcoma - a large tumor with a sharp deformation of the mammary gland and metastases in the axillary or supraclavicular lymph nodes;

    Sarcoma of the esophagus - a large tumor, extends to the tissue of the mediastinum, sharply disrupts the passage of food. Metastasizes to the lymph nodes of the mediastinum;

    Sarcoma of the lung - reaches a large size, causes compression of the bronchi, metastases to the peribronchial and lymph nodes of the mediastinum;

    Testicular sarcoma - is large, deforms the scrotum and germinates its layers. There are metastases in inguinal lymph nodes;

    Soft tissue sarcoma of the limbs - a tumor focus of about 10 cm, disrupts the function of the limb, sharply deforms it. There are metastases in regional lymph nodes.

Sarcoma of the third stage is characterized by disappointing results of treatment, requires extended surgical interventions and often recurs.

Sarcoma stage 4

The most unfavorable prognosis is the detection of sarcoma at stage 4 of the tumor process. The danger of such a situation is that such tumors are gigantic in size, sharply squeeze the surrounding tissues or grow into them, forming a continuous tumor conglomerate, often accompanied by decay and bleeding. There are always metastases in regional and lymph nodes of any localization. Characterized by the presence of distant metastases in the liver, lungs, brain and bones. There is no need to dwell in detail on the description of stage 4 of individual localizations of sarcomas, since they are similar to the third stage. Distinguishes only the aggravation of local manifestations and the destructive effects of the tumor, as well as the presence of distant metastases.



Diagnosis - sarcoma scares many, because according to statistics, this type of tumor has the highest mortality rate. This disease is terrible because it can appear on any part of the body, because a malignant formation develops from connective tissue cells, which is how it differs from cancer. In most cases, people of young and middle age are susceptible to the disease. This is due to the fact that during this period there is growth, active cell division, they are immature and prone to degeneration into a malignant tumor.

Common types of sarcomas and their symptoms

Sarcoma is a malignant formation that does not have a strict localization. Distinguish different types diseases that are certain symptoms. The affected area is connective tissues: bone, fat, muscle, fibrous, etc. It is important to initially correctly establish the type and type of the disease in order to determine the correct treatment in the future. Depending on the "binding" to a particular tissue, more than 70 types of sarcomas are distinguished, they will be discussed below.

Kaposi's sarcoma

A tumor that develops from cells blood vessels or lymphatic system, is called Kaposi's sarcoma. People with immunodeficiency - HIV-infected people - are primarily susceptible to this disease. The disease is characterized by the appearance on the skin of spots with clear outlines, brown, red or purple. What Kaposi's sarcoma looks like, look at the photo below:

Symptoms of the disease:

  • On the initial stage Kaposi's sarcoma appears flat or slightly convex spots on the skin, mucous membranes. The place of appearance can be hands, shins, feet, jaw. Their color varies from bright red to brown, does not change during pressure.
  • Perhaps the development of the disease in a different scenario. A spot appears on the body purple. It gradually grows, spreading to lymphatic system resulting in internal hemorrhage.

Ewing's sarcoma

A malignant tumor of bone tissue - Ewing's sarcoma, affects the bones of the pelvis, limbs, ribs, collarbone, long tubular bones, shoulder blades, spine. The younger generation is at risk of developing the disease - from 5 to 25 years. Characterized this species cancer of connective tissues by the rapid growth of the tumor, the spread of metastases, pain.

Symptoms of the disease:

osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor that develops on the basis of the bone. It is more common in the joints of the extremities. Its main features: rapidly developing, accompanied by painful sensations, metastasis is observed already in the early stages. Symptoms of osteosarcoma include:

  • Dumb It's a dull pain which increases with time
  • The growth of the tumor provokes swelling, an increase in the volume of the limbs, leads to the development of contracture.
  • There is a lesion of the metaphysis of tubular bones.
  • With the flow of blood, tumor cells spread throughout the body, forming metastases.

Sarcoma of the uterus

Sarcoma of the uterus is a malignant tumor in women, which is rare. Most at risk are women during menopause and girls before menstruation. This disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • Failure of the menstrual cycle.
  • The appearance of pain in the pelvic area.
  • Watery vaginal discharge that has bad smell.
  • At stages 3 and 4, the tumor exits the uterus, damage to organs located nearby is observed.

Lung sarcoma

Lung sarcoma develops from the connective tissues of the bronchi or between the alveoli in the chest. The disease can occur as a result of a cancer of other organs, when infected cells enter the lungs with the blood stream, or develop initially in the organs of the respiratory system. Signs of sarcoma:

  • Fatigue, shortness of breath, decreased performance, dizziness, lack of appetite, drowsiness.
  • The development of pneumonia, which is not treatable.
  • Pleurisy.
  • Persistent cough, hoarseness.
  • Cyanobacteria (cyanosis of the lips, fingertips).
  • Pain in the area chest.
  • Spread of metastases to nearby organs (eg, liver, kidneys).

mammary gland

Breast sarcoma is a non-epithelial malignancy female breast. The disease progresses rapidly, the tumor grows to a huge size in a few months, which leads to breast asymmetry. Symptoms of the disease:

  • The formation of a seal in the mammary gland, which has a clear outline, a bumpy surface.
  • As the tumor grows, the skin becomes thinner, vascular network, venous drawing.
  • The growth of education leads to breast enlargement, the appearance of pain.
  • In frequent cases, metastasis to the lungs, bones of the skeleton is observed.

Skin sarcoma

Skin sarcoma - the development of a malignant formation from its own connective cells. The affected areas are the body and limbs. More common on the abdomen, thighs, back, forearms. Symptoms of the disease are:

  • The formation of a spot of irregular shape, which rises slightly above the skin.
  • Pigmentation depends on the stage of development of the disease - in the early stages it can be in skin tone, it darkens as it grows.
  • Grows, usually slowly, but sometimes noted fast development and the growth of metastases in the early stages.
  • Dimensions increase with the development of the disease.
  • In the early stages, the formation is smooth, with the course of the disease it becomes bumpy.
  • A neglected disease bleeds, hurts, causes discomfort.

Epithelioid sarcoma

Epithelioid tumor in most cases affects the hands. Symptoms of the disease are extremely difficult to identify, more often they appear when the tumor begins to compress the distal nerve. In rare cases, there is pain during palpation of the affected area. The main symptom is the growth of the tumor along the tendons or fascia, metastasis, which is accompanied by the formation of nodes.

The degree of differentiation of sarcoma

Sometimes it is difficult to determine the type of sarcoma, its structure by histology. Even a thorough examination under a microscope or a histological examination can not always help in this. During the examination, it is important to establish the degree of differentiation of the disease and confirm the fact that the connective tissues are damaged. There are 3 stages of differentiation of connective tissue cancer:

  • Highly differentiated sarcoma. This degree is characterized by: rapid tumor growth; accelerated spread of metastases to nearby organs and lymph nodes; education has a high degree of malignancy; the structure of the tumor is similar to the tissues from which it grows. On the this stage the disease is rarely treatable. Often after surgical intervention the disease returns, often with new complications.
  • Poorly differentiated cancer. The degree of the disease is characterized by a slow rate of tumor growth; the absence or small proportion of metastases; differ in structure from the tissues from which they grow; the percentage of malignancy is low. Treatment of sarcoma is possible by surgical intervention and only in rare cases is its recurrence observed.
  • moderately differentiated. On this tumor, in terms of indicators, it occupies an intermediate place between the two main degrees.

Causes of the disease

The reasons that can provoke the occurrence and development of sarcoma have not been reliably established. Science has classified it as a polyetiological disease (a disease that develops under the influence of various causes). To date, the following causes of the disease are distinguished:

  • Exposure of cells to ionized radiation. Any radiation exposure (even from therapeutic purpose) can adversely affect connective tissues, which in the future may lead to the formation of sarcoma.
  • Transplantation of internal organs.
  • Postponed operations, injuries, wounds that did not heal for a long time, damage to soft tissues.
  • The presence of immunodeficiency diseases, HIV infections, herpes virus in the blood.
  • Treatment with immunosuppressive drugs, chemotherapy.
  • Heredity, genetic diseases. Scientists are conducting a study of the disease at the molecular level, see the presentation with the results of this work on the video:

Methods for diagnosing and treating the disease

In order to find out how to treat sarcoma, first of all, it is necessary to reliably establish its localization, the presence of metastases, and the type of disease. An effective technique Treatment is considered to be removal of the tumor, if possible. In the early stages, it is possible to defeat the neoplasm and prevent its recurrence by conducting chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

A person can identify the symptoms of sarcoma at home on their own. But to confirm the diagnosis, establish the type of disease, degree of differentiation, malignancy of the tumor, it is necessary to contact professionals in a specialized clinic. To diagnose the disease, it is possible to carry out the following medical procedures, the choice of which depends on the location of the affected area:

  • MRI. It is used to detect soft tissue tumors.
  • CT scan used for bone diagnosis.
  • Ultrasound examination will help to identify pathologies in soft tissues or internal organs.
  • Tumor biopsy - analysis of a particle of education for malignancy, determination of its structure and composition.
  • Angiography is a procedure during which a contrast agent is injected into the blood, which allows you to determine whether there is a violation of blood circulation in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe formation of the tumor or in the surrounding areas.
  • X-ray is a diagnostic method that is used to detect bone tumors.
  • Radioisotope research methods.

What is the prognosis of life with sarcoma

Sarcoma is a type of cancer that is rare, occurring in about 10% of all malignant formations that have been diagnosed. The disease is extremely negative feature – a large number of lethal gatherings. But what will be the outcome in a particular case depends on a number of factors:

  • Tumor localization. For example, breast sarcoma is easier to remove and cure than lung cancer.
  • The size of education.
  • The presence of metastases.
  • Degrees of differentiation.
  • The stage at which the disease was diagnosed and the promptness of the start of treatment.
  • The chosen method of combating the disease.
  • Psychological state sick.

Sarcoma is an unpleasant diagnosis, the causes of which have not been fully established and not studied. This is a disease that can take away the most precious thing from a person - life. Its symptoms cause not only physical pain, but also moral, inflict psychological trauma. But if the disease is diagnosed on early stage, it is treatable and proceeds much easier. Therefore, it is important to monitor your health, take regular medical examinations, lead correct image life.

Nowadays, it is not uncommon to hear that someone has cancer or a sarcoma. Many people equate the two medical concepts and they think that there are no differences between them, but this is not so. The occurrence and development of these diseases is influenced by many factors that are both similar and different from each other, this must be taken into account when comparative characteristic. This article will provide detailed distinguishing information for each pathological condition.

What is cancer and sarcoma?

Before embarking on a distinctive characteristic, it is necessary to understand in detail what each of the presented diseases means.

  • Cancer is a disease represented by a malignant tumor that originates from epithelial cells that cover internal cavities organs or skin, mucous surface.
  • Sarcoma is a disease represented by a malignant tumor that forms in immature connective tissue, characterized by intensive cell division.

Cancer cannot be compared with sarcoma and other malignant tumors, this is not acceptable, as it various diseases. But it is worth remembering that in most cases of malignant neoplasms, the patient is diagnosed with cancer, in rare cases - sarcoma or hemoblastosis.

Cancer is represented by a dense or soft, smooth or bumpy formation, which quickly forms and develops in human organs and tissues. predisposition to this pathological condition can be inherited, so patients who are at risk are advised to undergo examinations every six months. Cancer can also occur due to other common factors.

Sarcoma can be of several types and it depends on the type of connective tissue where it is formed:

  1. Bone sarcoma - osteosarcoma.
  2. Cartilage sarcoma - chondrosarcoma.
  3. Adipose tissue sarcoma - liposarcoma.
  4. Vascular sarcoma - angiosarcoma.
  5. Muscle sarcoma - myosarcoma.
  6. Sarcoma of the lymph nodes - lymphosarcoma.

Also, sarcoma, like cancer, can also affect the internal organs of a person. This pathology is presented in the form of compacted nodules that do not have well-defined boundaries. In the context, the formation has a gray or pink tint. Each type of sarcoma has its own period of development, growth and differs in the degree of malignancy, tendency to germination, metastasis and recurrence.

Sarcomas can occur due to ionized radiation, toxic and carcinogenic substances, chemicals, bacteria, viruses. The occurrence of this formation can also be affected by genetic abnormalities, as well as a hereditary factor.

Diagnosis of cancer and sarcoma

These two dangerous diseases also differ among themselves and in the methods of diagnosis, which is important.

  1. Radiography.
  2. Endoscopy.
  3. Various blood tests.
  4. Conducting medical tests.

If the patient does not have any signs of a tumor, but he is at risk, then a screening study is recommended. Detection of cancer late stage includes a number of diagnostic methods:

  • Radiation diagnostics.
  • Ultrasound procedure.
  • Laboratory diagnostics.
  • Immunological diagnostics.
  • Radioisotope diagnostics.
  • Endoscopic diagnostics.
  • Biopsy.

The diagnosis associated with sarcoma is based on the manifestations of the disease, x-ray data, laboratory and histological examination. Diagnosis is possible only in the later stages. Methods of diagnosis depend on the type of pathology, but to common methods relate:

  1. Laboratory research.
  2. X-ray examination.
  3. Ultrasound procedure.
  4. Biopsy.
  5. Doppler study.
  6. Radionuclide research.

The difference between cancer and sarcoma

In addition to all of the previously listed hallmarks and characteristics, we will indicate more accurate:

  • Formation from different types of tissues.
  • Sarcoma is not as common as cancer.
  • Sarcoma metastasizes through the blood vessels, and cancer through the lymphatic system.
  • Sarcoma is characterized by intensive progressive growth of neoplasms.
  • Sarcoma, unlike cancer, can very often develop in childhood and adolescence.
  • Sarcoma in most cases is diagnosed at a late stage of the disease, as it is difficult to examine at an early stage.

This leads to the conclusion that it is easier to identify cancer at an early stage, which increases the likelihood of recovery several times. Also, the complexity of sarcoma is that each type of disease has its own specific, characteristic symptoms.

Treatment of cancer and sarcoma

As for the treatment of these two diseases, they are somewhat similar to each other. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are required. There are contraindications that are associated with the removal of these two types of tumors. In some cases, surgery is considered ineffective, therefore, symptomatic therapy is prescribed to make the patient feel better. Treatment is considered to be effectively carried out if metastases and relapses do not occur within several years after the course has been completed.

No specific causes for the occurrence of sarcomas have been established by medicine.

However, the risk factors are quite varied:

  • exposure to ionizing radiation, stay in an area with an increased radiation background;
  • impact ultraviolet radiation(prolonged exposure to the sun, frequent visits to the solarium);
  • genetic predisposition, hereditary chromosomal diseases;
  • exposure to certain viruses (Epstein-Barr virus, human immunodeficiency virus, herpes virus HHV8, papillomavirus);
  • exposure to carcinogenic chemical substances(asbestos, nickel, cobalt);
  • work in the chemical industry or in production related to oil refining;
  • the presence of benign tumors and precancerous diseases;
  • change hormonal background during puberty leading to rapid growth bones;
  • failures in the work of the protective system, leading to autoimmune malignant pathologies;
  • long smoking history.

Risk factors provoke uncontrolled mitosis of connective tissue cells. anomalous cell structures form into a tumor, begin to grow into neighboring tissues and destroy them.

Sarcomas can occur as a result of mechanical damage to tissues (burns, bruises, improperly fused fractures).

Often, malignant tumors from immature connective tissue occur several years after injury. However, there is no direct evidence that mechanical damage over a long period of time, they can provoke tissue malignancy.

Symptoms

Symptoms of sarcoma can be very diverse and depend on the location of the initial focus of the tumor, as well as the stage of the disease. In a typical clinical case at the first stage, a neoplasm is detected, prone to progressive growth. As the tumor develops in malignant process adjacent tissues are involved.

growing through nerve fibers, capturing bone tissue, sarcoma provokes excruciating pains that cannot be stopped with conventional analgesics.

Signs of sarcoma can be:

  • lethargy, apathy, low performance;
  • lack of appetite, nausea;
  • progressive weight loss;
  • enlarged lymph nodes;
  • decreased immunity and a tendency to frequent infectious diseases;
  • deformation of bone tissue;
  • internal bleeding.

Forecast

Doctors cannot unequivocally answer the question “how long do they live with sarcoma?” The prognosis of survival depends on many factors, such as the stage and degree of tumor differentiation, the adequacy and cost of treatment, the choice of clinic for therapy, and age.

The most unfavorable in terms of prognosis are soft tissue sarcomas, prone to rapid metastasis. More successfully treat bone sarcoma.

General five-year survival with sarcoma of any localization at stages 1-2 is 75%. Spreading malignant cells to nearby tissues and metastasis to the lymphatic system reduces survival by up to 50%. In the presence of multiple and distant metastases on the successful treatment only 5-10% of all patients can hope.

Speaking about what a sarcoma is, it should be noted that this is a group of malignant tumors arising from actively dividing connective tissues.

Such cancer cells can be located on any part of the body, becoming the cause of oncology.

Sarcoma, what is it?

Speaking about what kind of disease this is, it should be noted that it is based on connective tissues, and more precisely, the derivatives of this tissue, arriving at the stage of active division and characterized by "immature".

Bone tissue is considered as a tissue (in this case, the patient has osteosarcoma), cartilage tissue(chondrosarcoma), muscle(myosarcoma), muscle tissue (rhabdomyosarcoma), fibrous tissue(fibrosarcoma), tissue of the walls of the lymphatic vessels (lymphangiosarcoma), adipose tissue(liposarcoma), walls of blood vessels (angiosarcoma), peripheral nerves(malignant schwannoma) and much more.

In addition to the listed variants, as well as those not included in the list, there is also unclassified soft tissue sarcoma, which accounts for about 10% of cases. The development of cancer occurs on the basis of epithelial cells, this principle also applies to the development of lung and kidney cancer, however, sarcoma is not tied to one certain body which distinguishes it from other types of oncology.

Where is the sarcoma localized?

Having learned what sarcoma is, now you should understand where it most often occurs. cancer formation. The main derivatives of connective tissue in the human body are fasciae, tendons, ligaments, muscles, blood vessels, bones, connective tissues and capsules of nerves and internal organs, connective constrictions of cellular spaces and constrictions of adipose tissue.

Depending on this, most often tumors are exposed to such parts of the human body as:

  • bones and soft tissues torso;
  • soft tissues of the extremities (together with bone tissue sarcoma accounts for 60% of all cases);
  • limb bones;
  • connecting elements of the uterus and mammary gland;
  • cell spaces, soft tissues and bones of the neck and head;
  • fiber of the retroperitoneal space;
  • other rare localizations (peritoneum, internal organs, pleural cavity, brain, mediastinum, peripheral nerves).

The degree of differentiation of cancer

Sarcoma cancer is far from always visible even under a microscope; it is often very difficult to determine its histological type. First of all, it is necessary to determine the fact of the origin of the formation from the connective tissue and the level of its differentiation.

Based on this, it can be noted:

  1. Sarcoma low-grade. This type of tumor has the most low level malignancy, as it is not similar to the tissues from which it grows, in its structure. Such a tumor almost never metastasizes, it grows slowly, is large, but when removed, relapses are extremely rare.
  2. Highly differentiated sarcoma. It is completely opposite to the previous type of education. They have a structure similar to those tissues from which they originate, are characterized by a high degree of malignancy, metastasize early, grow rapidly, and are difficult to surgical treatment.
  3. Sarcomas are moderately differentiated. They are at an intermediate stage between the two species described above.

Sarcoma symptoms

Depending on the location, the symptoms of sarcoma can vary greatly. Among the most common signs of the disease, it is necessary to highlight the following.

Pain syndrome:

  • moderate or intense pain in the growth area of ​​education. More typical for highly malignant sarcomas;
  • bursting, discomfort, a feeling of the presence of a foreign body at the site of the lesion of the formation. Such symptoms of sarcoma are characteristic of oncology with a low degree of differentiation;
  • increased pain during palpation of the tumor and physical exertion.

The occurrence of a tumor:

  • on the surface of the skin, the presence of a tumor is visually determined;
  • determination of a tumor formation by palpation, located at different depths from the skin surface;
  • swelling and deformity of the limb affected by sarcoma;
  • at the site of tumor growth, a wound surface appears, indicating the decay of the formation;
  • with the decay of the tumor, there are always fetid copious discharge from the decay surface.

If there is a sarcoma, symptoms can manifest themselves in violation of the functions of the affected segment or organ:

  • with a tumor of the bones of the limb or soft tissues, it is impossible to walk or perform certain movements;
  • during the growth of a tumor of the internal organs, an increase in the size of the latter is observed. This causes organ failure and disruption of their functions.

Signs of sarcoma are manifested in the germination of surrounding tissues:

  • an increase in lymph nodes near the location of the tumor focus;
  • when squeezing the neck and mediastinal organs - respiratory and swallowing disorders;
  • in case of germination of the retroperitoneal space - hydronephrosis and impaired urine outflow;
  • when squeezing or sprouting nerves - weakness and severe pain in the limbs;
  • when squeezing or germination of blood vessels - circulatory disorders with profuse bleeding and gangrene of the limb.

Diagnosis of sarcoma

Before starting treatment for this type of cancer, it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. To determine the disease, the following diagnostic methods are used:

  • x-ray examination in case of suspected bone tumors, including osteosarcoma;
  • conducting ultrasound internal organs or soft tissues;
  • tomography. If a bone tumor is suspected, a CT scan is recommended. Soft tissue tumors are best identified on MRI;
  • radioisotope diagnostic methods. They are used with a deep location of education in cellular spaces and cavities;
  • tumor biopsy. If the tumor is located on the surface, then taking a biopsy is not difficult. Deep-seated tumors can only be examined under tomographic or ultrasound guidance;
  • angiography. contrast agent injected into the arteries, thereby determining the area of ​​accumulation of vessels at the site of tumor development, as well as the nature of the blood supply disturbance below the area of ​​tumor development.

Causes of sarcoma

If there is a sarcoma, the causes of this disease may depend on a number of very diverse factors. True, it is possible to find them out only in extremely rare cases. The main reasons for the appearance of oncology in the field of connective tissues can be factors such as:

  • genetic predisposition and hereditary aggravating anamnesis;
  • damaging effect of ionizing radiation on DNA cells;
  • transplantation of internal organs;
  • taking immunosuppressive drugs and courses of chemotherapy;
  • HIV infection, acquired or congenital immunodeficiency;
  • exposure to cells of oncogenic viruses that can trigger the mechanism of uncontrolled action;
  • violation of lymph flow after pathological processes or surgery;
  • traumatic injuries, long-term non-healing and extensive wounds, foreign bodies that cannot be removed from soft tissues.

Sarcoma stages

Depending on the stage of the disease, treatment can be carried out in different ways. When dividing this type of oncology into stages, the following factors are taken into account:

  • the size of the original tumor;
  • the presence of metastases in the lymphatic regional nodes;
  • germination and involvement in the process of surrounding tissues;
  • the spread of the tumor beyond the capsule of the organ or the fascia of the anatomical formation, from which the sarcoma grows into the tendons, bones, muscles, etc.
  • availability in individual bodies metastases.

The histological type of formation does not affect the stage of cancer, in contrast to the initial place of appearance in the body of sarcoma. In which of the organs the formation first appeared, speaks of the stage of the disease.

The first stage of sarcoma

This stage of the disease is characterized by a small size of the tumor, which does not go beyond the segment or organ from which its growth was started, does not violate its functions, is practically painless, does not compress anatomical vital formations, and has no metastases. In the presence of the first stage, even highly differentiated sarcoma has a chance for a result in treatment.

Second stage of sarcoma

In the second stage of the disease, the tumor grows into other layers, it begins to increase in size, disrupts the work of other organs, but there are no metastases;

The principle of isolating the second stage of sarcoma is that such formations are located within the organs, but when they are removed, they need an extended excision of tissues. The results are lower in comparison with the first stage, but relapses are extremely rare.

The third stage of sarcoma

Sarcoma of the third stage is characterized by the germination of the tumor of the organs and fascia located near the formation or the beginning of metastasis to the lymph nodes located near the cancer. In the presence of a disease of the third stage, there are difficulties in treatment, an extended surgical intervention is required, and relapses are often observed.

fourth stage of sarcoma

Most unfavorable forecasts are given by doctors when stage 4 sarcoma is detected. The danger of this phenomenon lies in the large sizes tumors, it begins to compress adjacent tissues or grow into them, creating huge tumor conglomerates. In most cases, there is bleeding and decay.

If the treatment of sarcoma was not carried out on time, then in the presence of the fourth stage, metastases to any lymphatic and regional nodes are always observed. Individual metastases to the bones, brain, lungs, and liver are often observed. In its manifestation, the fourth stage is similar to the third. The only difference is that local manifestations are significantly aggravated, destruction of the tumor is observed, as well as the presence of individual metastases.

Sarcoma with metastases

Metastases are tumor cells that, through venous or lymphatic vessels pass from the primary focus to healthy tissues (internal organs, lymph nodes). Where the number of cells reaches a large size, their fixation is observed, after which the cells actively grow.

It is difficult to guess which of the organs is affected by metastases. In most cases, metastases occur in the regional lymph nodes, flat bones, spine, brain, lungs, and liver. Each histological type of sarcoma has a separate localization and favorite place for metastases. In the fourth stage of the disease, most of them are localized in the liver.

The most metastatic types of sarcoma are liposarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, lymphosarcoma, fibrous histiocytoma. Potentially, such formations can give metastases with sizes less than one centimeter. The reason for this phenomenon was high concentration in the tumor focus of calcium, active growth of tumor cells and extremely intense blood flow. They do not have a capsule that could limit their reproduction and growth area.

If there is a sarcoma, treatment should be carried out immediately, tumor metastases to the lymphatic regional nodes are not capable of causing difficulties in the treatment and course of the disease. Individual visceral metastases may behave differently. They begin to rapidly increase in number and size. In very rare cases, it is possible to get rid of them with the help of chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.

Surgically, only single metastases can be removed, in a limited area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe bones, lungs or liver. There is no point in removing multiple metastases, the disease will still progress.

The histological type of formation varies greatly in comparison with primary foci. They have a smaller number of vessels, cellular mitoses or other signs of atypia, a large number of areas of necrosis. Often, primary metastases are detected first, without knowing their exact focus. Only a professional histologist, looking at the structure of metastases, can tell what type of sarcoma they belong to.

Sarcoma treatment

In most cases, sarcoma is treated operational way. Only after the removal of the formation can cancer be cured. The volume of surgical intervention and volumes postoperative therapy in this case are selected individually, in each specific case. Therapeutic differentiated tactics are as follows:

  • moderately or poorly differentiated sarcoma of stage 1-2, regardless of the location in persons of any age category in satisfactory condition. In this case, the formation is removed surgically along with regional lymph node dissection. After surgery, the patient may be prescribed one or two courses of radiation or chemotherapy. Only a doctor should decide on their expediency after studying remote education;
  • Type 1-2 sarcomas are highly differential. AT without fail need surgical treatment with extended lymph node dissection and subsequent chemotherapy in the period before and after surgery;
  • with third-degree sarcoma, its treatment includes combined techniques. In the period before the operation, it is recommended to conduct a course of chemotherapy or radiation. They reduce the size of the tumor, making it easier to remove. During the surgical intervention, the formation is removed with all the germinating tissues, the damaged important structures (nerves, blood vessels) are restored, and the regional lymph drainage collectors are excised. After surgery, chemotherapy must be carried out;
  • many osteosarcomas need combination therapy. Features of the surgical intervention are that during the operation it is necessary to amputate the limb affected by cancer with its subsequent prosthetics. In the elderly, bone areas can be removed by resection only with superficial low-grade osteosarcoma;
  • sarcomas of the fourth stage. Many of these types of education need to be symptomatic therapy(correction of anemia, detoxification treatment, pain relief). Complete complex treatment such sarcomas can only be performed for tumors that can be removed promptly (small size, without sprouting into vital structures, with a superficial location) in combination with the presence of a single metastasis to the bones, lungs or liver.

Conclusion

Speaking about what sarcoma is, it should be noted that it is serious illness that can cause lethal outcome without timely treatment. If you suspect that you have such an oncology, you should urgently see a doctor, as some types of sarcoma can metastasize even in the initial stages.

In no case do not neglect your health, because everyone knows that advanced stage cancer is not cured, even in modern medicine. Take care of your health!

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