Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the body's connective tissues. These tissues include bones, muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves and cartilage. Because sarcoma can develop in different parts of the body, its symptoms and treatment may vary from person to person.
At the CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, our specialists provide comprehensive sarcoma treatment tailored to your condition. We focus on accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment and long-term care to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that begins in the bones or soft connective tissues of the body. Connective tissues help support and hold different body structures together. These include muscles, fat, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, blood vessels and nerves.
Although sarcoma is uncommon, it can affect both children and adults. It accounts for about 1% of all cancers diagnosed in adults and nearly 15% of cancers in children.
Sarcoma is not a single disease. It is a group of more than 70 different types of cancer that develop in the bones or soft tissues. These cancers are broadly classified into bone sarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma, depending on where they begin.
Bone sarcoma is a cancer that starts in the bone itself. It is also known as primary bone sarcoma. More than one-third of bone sarcoma cases are diagnosed in people under the age of 35, and many occur in children and teenagers.
The main types of primary bone sarcoma include:
It is important to distinguish primary bone sarcoma from metastatic bone cancer. Metastatic bone cancer begins in another part of the body, such as the breast, lung, kidney, thyroid or prostate, and later spreads to the bones. This can weaken the bones, causing pain, fractures and reduced mobility.
Soft tissue sarcoma develops in the body's connective tissues rather than the bones. These tissues include muscles, fat, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and nerves. Most soft tissue sarcomas are diagnosed in adults, although some types, such as rhabdomyosarcoma, are more common in children.
Common types of soft tissue sarcoma include:
The symptoms of sarcoma often depend on where the cancer develops. Some people may not notice any symptoms in the early stages. Others may develop signs that become more noticeable over time.
Common symptoms include:
A lump does not always mean cancer. Many lumps are non-cancerous. However, if a lump continues to grow, becomes painful or does not go away, it should be evaluated by a specialist.
The exact cause of sarcoma is not fully understood. It develops when changes occur in the DNA of bone or soft tissue cells. These changes cause the cells to grow and multiply uncontrollably, eventually forming a tumour. If left untreated, the cancer may spread to other parts of the body.
In most cases, there is no clear reason why these genetic changes happen. However, certain factors can increase the risk of developing sarcoma. These include:
Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean you will develop sarcoma. Likewise, many people diagnosed with sarcoma have no known risk factors. If you notice persistent symptoms such as a growing lump, ongoing bone pain or unexplained swelling, consult a specialist for a proper evaluation.
An accurate diagnosis is the first step towards choosing the right treatment. Our doctor will begin by asking about your symptoms, medical history and overall health. This is followed by a physical examination. You may need one or more tests, including:
Imaging tests help doctors understand the size and location of the tumour. These tests may include:
A biopsy is the only way to confirm whether a tumour is cancerous. During a biopsy, our experts remove a small sample of tissue. The sample is then examined under a microscope.
If sarcoma is confirmed, additional tests may be recommended to determine whether the cancer has spread and to plan the most appropriate treatment.
There is no single treatment that works for everyone. The best treatment for sarcoma depends on:
At the CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, we create personalised treatment plans based on your specific diagnosis and treatment needs.
Surgery is often the main treatment for many bone and soft tissue sarcomas. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue and function as possible. Some patients may also need reconstructive procedures after surgery.
For selected soft tissue sarcomas, robotic-assisted surgery may be an option. This minimally invasive approach allows surgeons to operate with greater precision through small incisions. Robotic surgery may help reduce blood loss, minimise post-operative pain and support faster recovery in suitable patients.
Our specialist will determine whether robotic surgery is appropriate based on the type, size and location of the tumour.
Chemotherapy uses medicines to destroy cancer cells. It may be recommended:
Certain types of sarcoma respond particularly well to chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It may be used,
Some sarcomas have specific genetic changes that can be treated with targeted medicines. Targeted therapy works by attacking certain proteins or pathways that help cancer cells grow.
High-grade sarcoma tends to grow more quickly and may have a higher risk of spreading. Treatment often involves a combination of:
Our experts will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your condition.
Soft tissue sarcoma treatment depends on the size, location and type of the tumour. Many patients benefit from a combination of surgery and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy or robotic-assisted surgery may also be recommended for selected cases.
Recovery is different for everyone. Some people recover quickly, while others may need more time, especially after major surgery or intensive treatment.
Your recovery plan may include:
Long-term follow-up is an important part of sarcoma care because some sarcomas can return after treatment. Regular check-ups help our experts doctor monitor your health and address any concerns early.
Our team includes surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and rehabilitation specialists who work together to provide comprehensive care.
Every sarcoma is different. We create personalised treatment plans based on your diagnosis, overall health and treatment goals.
We offer advanced imaging, pathology services and modern treatment options to support accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
From diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and long-term follow-up, we provide complete cancer care under one roof.
A cancer diagnosis can affect every aspect of your life. Our team supports you throughout your treatment journey, answers your questions and helps you make informed decisions with confidence.
If you notice a persistent lump, unexplained swelling or any other concerning symptoms, do not ignore them. Early diagnosis can make a significant difference. Consult our specialists for sarcoma treatment in Jaipur and receive personalised care at every step of your journey.
Bone sarcoma starts in the bones, while soft tissue sarcoma develops in muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves or other connective tissues.
Yes, many sarcomas can be cured if diagnosed and treated early. The outcome depends on the type, stage and overall health of the patient.
No, chemotherapy is not required for every patient. The treatment plan depends on the type, size, location and stage of the sarcoma.
The duration varies depending on the treatment approach. It may range from a few weeks to several months if surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy are combined.
Yes, sarcoma can recur after treatment. Regular follow-up appointments help detect any recurrence early and monitor overall recovery.
Yes, limb-sparing surgery is possible for many patients with bone sarcoma. It removes the tumour while preserving the affected limb whenever it is safe to do so.
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