Worried about sarcoma? Dr Liza Bulsara debunks 4 common myths about bone and soft tissue cancer

Sarcoma is a rare form of cancer of bone and soft tissues; Dr Bulsara clears up myths related to the condition while stressing on early diagnosis.

Sarcoma is rare, and its early signs are often easy to explain away. These cancers begin in bone or soft tissues such as muscle, fat, nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue.

Bone sarcomas include osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and chondrosarcoma, while soft-tissue sarcomas include rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma, among many subtypes.

There are a number of myths surrounding cancer that often leave the people diagnosed with the disorder and their family members confused. In an interaction with HT Lifestyle, Dr Liza Bulsara debunked four such popular myths.

Myth 1: A lump is harmless if it does not hurt

Fact: Early soft-tissue sarcoma often presents as a painless mass, warned Dr Bulsara. A lump that is growing, deep or persistent deserves assessment.

“A size of five centimetres or more raises particular concern, although smaller sarcomas can also occur,” she noted. “Bone sarcoma may present with persistent focal pain, swelling, pain at night, a limp or a fracture without a clear reason.”

Fracture without a clear reason can be a sign of sarcoma. (Pexel)

Myth 2: Sarcoma only affects adults

Fact: “Osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma occur more often in children and adolescents, while rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in children,” stated Dr Bulsara.

Persistent, one-sided bone pain or swelling in a growing child should be examined rather than repeatedly attributed to a growth spurt.

The doctor further cautioned that sarcoma can also be diagnosed during pregnancy. A growing mass should be investigated, with imaging, biopsy and treatment planned according to gestational age and the risks to mother and baby.

Myth 3: An injury causes sarcoma, and a biopsy makes it spread

Fact: A fall or injury does not create a sarcoma; it may simply draw attention to pain or a mass that was already present. A properly planned biopsy is essential for identifying the exact subtype and grade, and it does not cause systemic spread.

“It should be arranged with the sarcoma team because the needle path or incision can affect later surgery,” stated Dr Bulsara.

Myth 4: Sarcoma surgery always means amputation

Fact: While amputation was once more common, modern multimodality care, combining chemotherapy or radiation where indicated with carefully planned surgery and reconstruction, now allows limb-sparing treatment in most extremity sarcomas.

However, Dr Bulsara noted that amputation may still remain necessary in selected cases, depending on the tumour’s size, location and involvement of vital structures.

“Across these myths, delay is the central concern,” she stated. “Early diagnosis means a better prognosis. A growing lump or persistent focal bone pain deserves specialist review before it narrows the options for treatment.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Dr Liza Bulsara, MD Paediatrics, FIAP-PHO, is a Senior Consultant of Pediatric Haematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant at Surya Mother & Child Super Speciality Hospital, Wakad, Pune. With 10+ years of experience, Dr Bulsara specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood blood disorders and cancers.