Topic guide#SarcomaAwarenessMonth
Not every lump is harmless: Know sarcoma!
Sarcomas are rare cancers that start in the bones and soft tissues. A general doctor seldom encounters them, so an accurate diagnosis by experienced specialists matters from the very first step.
Three main types
Understanding sarcomas: Rare cancers in unexpected places
- Soft tissue
Soft tissue sarcoma
Cancers that start in the soft tissues, which connect, support and surround different body parts, joints and organs.
Read more - GIST
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Abnormal cells that grow in the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract: the stomach, small intestine and large intestine.
Read more - Bone
Bone cancer
Rare cancers of the bone, including osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma.
Read more
More than 100 subtypes: soft tissue sarcoma in particular may arise in many different types.
The diagnostic toolkit
Sarcoma diagnosis needs more than a microscope!
Experience means having seen many patients with the same condition. Expertise means continual learning and staying current with guidelines, new studies and clinical trials. Specialists combine these tools.
- Histopathology
The pathology standard
Tissue is cut into very thin slices, stained and examined under a microscope to identify cell and tissue types.
Read more - Flow cytometry
Examine cell by cell
Stained cells pass one at a time through a beam of light and reveal their size, shape and tumor markers.
Read more - Molecular profiling
Genes and cellular weak points
Checks tissue, blood or other body fluids for genes, proteins and molecules that help distinguish cancer types.
Read more - Cytogenetics
All chromosomes normal?
Counts and examines the chromosomes in a tissue sample for damaged, missing, altered or additional chromosomes.
Read more - FISH
Unwanted genetic rearrangements
Fluorescent pieces of DNA bind to specific genes or chromosome regions and make rearrangements visible.
Read more - X-ray
Oldest and most frequently used
Pictures of the inside of organs and bones, created with a small amount of ionizing radiation.
Read more - Bone scan
Skeletal details
More sensitive than an x-ray: it shows abnormal areas of bone, such as rapidly dividing cells, more clearly.
Read more - MRI
Spinning water
A magnet, radio waves and a computer use the water in our tissues to create detailed pictures from inside the body.
Read more
Treatment
Many sarcoma types, many treatment plans
Treatment depends on the type of sarcoma and on whether it has recurred or spread. Experts consider every option and make the best choices together with the patient and their family.
- Chemotherapy
Toxins against tumor cells
Medicines that stop cancer cells from growing, either by killing them or by preventing them from dividing.
Read more - Samarium
A radioactive element as a Trojan horse
A radioactive medicine that mimics calcium and collects where bone tumors grow, acting only a few millimeters deep.
Read more - Targeted therapy
Precise identification and attack
Substances that identify and destroy specific cancer cells, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Read more - Supportive care
When life quality is most important
Prevents or treats symptoms, side effects and the psychological, social and spiritual burden of a disease.
Read more
Why a second opinion
Sarcomas: Why expert diagnosis is essential
Because sarcomas are rare, most doctors have limited experience in detecting and treating them. An independent review by international sarcoma specialists, according to international guidelines, confirms the diagnosis and the treatment plan before you decide.
Sarcoma
All articles on this topic
- Sarcoma Awareness Month 2026: What You Need to KnowSarcoma second opinion UAE: if diagnosed with sarcoma in the UAE, an independent sarcoma second opinion UAE at TheKnowHow is…Read article · 5 min
- Sarcoma Awareness MonthSoft tissue sarcoma is a broad term for cancers that start in soft tissues, which connect, support, and surround different body parts, joints, and organs.Read article · 5 min
- Sarcomas rare complex cancersSarcomas are rare cancers that general doctors seldom encounter, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. Specialized Centers of Excellence play a vital role by offering expertise in recognizing and managing these complex diseases. Accurate diagnosis often involves advanced pathology, molecular profiling, and various medical imaging techniques. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient and may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and supportive care, all designed to improve outcomes and quality of life for those affected by sarcomas.Read article · 12 min
- Sarcoma Awareness MonthSarcomas are rare cancers affecting bones or soft tissues. Early detection and expert care are vital for better outcomes. Stay aware and informed, your health matters!Read article · 5 min
