Creating awareness about Sarcoma, a rare kind of cancer, experts at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC) pointed to the challenge of its incorrect diagnosis and the impact of wrong procedures on the treatment outcome. Sarcoma is a cancer of Bone & Soft tissues. July is celebrated as Sarcoma awareness month worldwide.

“Unfortunately the sarcoma tumor goes undiagnosed in limbs or an inappropriate surgery is done. In such cases this leads to damage and major risk of losing the limb, which affects the life of young children/adults. RGCIRC has been making general orthopedic surgeons aware about right ways to evaluate Sarcoma, its diagnosis and the treatment options available”, said Dr Himanshu Rohela, Consultant — Orthopaedic Oncology RGCI&RC.

Though the sarcoma account for 3 per cent of all cancers in adults and 10-15 per cent in pediatric age group, the disease needs attention that it deserves to save life as well as limbs.

“In a high volume Sarcoma centre such as RGCIRC, a large number of cases are being reported late which leads to less than desired outcomes including risk of losing limb in children,” added Dr Rohela.

Dr Rohela says prevention doesn’t play a role here, as there is no risk factor, what’s important is early diagnosis. One should not ignore the persistent pain or increasing swelling in limbs, which is not responding to conservative treatment. It’s not that every tumor/lump is cancerous, it could be an infection or a benign tumor. Sarcoma is a rare condition to have.