Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that affects the soft tissues, such as muscle, fat, and blood vessels. It typically occurs in the arms, legs, or trunk, but it can also occur in other parts of the body. Epithelioid sarcoma tends to occur in young adults, with a median age at diagnosis of about 30 years. It is more common in men than in women.
In this article, Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of the eminent and leading oncologist in Bangalore will be sharing the details about Epithelioid Sarcoma Cancer, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in this article.
Let’s see the causes of Epithelioid Sarcoma Cancer below,
Causes of Epithelioid Sarcoma Cancer
The cause of epithelioid sarcoma is not fully understood. It is thought to be related to genetic changes that occur in the cells of the soft tissues. These genetic changes may be caused by a variety of factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, or by inherited genetic mutations. However, in many cases, the specific cause of epithelioid sarcoma is not known.
It is important to note that having risk factors for a particular cancer does not necessarily mean that a person will develop that cancer. Many people with known risk factors for cancer never develop the disease, while others who do not have any known risk factors may be diagnosed with cancer.
Symptoms of Epithelioid Sarcoma
- A painless lump or swelling in the affected area
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
In some cases, people with epithelioid sarcoma may have no symptoms at all, and the cancer may be discovered during a routine medical examination or imaging test done for another reason.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it is important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment. If you want to know more about the symptoms of epithelioid sarcoma, you can ask the doctors here.
Diagnosis of Epithelioid Sarcoma
The diagnosis of epithelioid sarcoma is typically made based on a biopsy of the affected tissue. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to determine the presence of cancer cells. There are several types of biopsies that may be used to diagnose epithelioid sarcoma, including:
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: In this procedure, a thin needle is used to remove a small sample of cells from the tumor.
- Core needle biopsy: In this procedure, a thicker needle is used to remove a small cylinder of tissue from the tumor.
- Excisional biopsy: In this procedure, the entire tumor is removed and examined.
The diagnosis of epithelioid sarcoma may also be confirmed using other tests, such as imaging tests (such as CT or MRI scans) or blood tests. These tests can help to determine the stage of the cancer and identify any spread of the cancer to other parts of the body, says Dr. Garvit Chitkara, best oncologist in Bangalore.
It’s important to note that a biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose epithelioid sarcoma. If you are experiencing symptoms that may be due to epithelioid sarcoma or if you have been identified as being at high risk for this type of cancer, it is important to see a doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Treatment for Epithelioid Sarcoma
Treatment for epithelioid sarcoma typically involves surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. The specific treatment plan will depend on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, as well as other factors such as the location and size of the tumor and the overall health of the patient.
Surgery: The primary treatment for epithelioid sarcoma is surgery to remove the cancerous tissue. This may be done using a wide local excision, in which a large margin of healthy tissue around the tumor is also removed to reduce the risk of recurrence. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove a larger area of tissue, such as a limb, to ensure that all of the cancerous tissue is removed.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor and reduce the risk of recurrence. Chemotherapy is usually given as a series of intravenous (IV) injections over a period of several weeks or months.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It may be used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor and reduce the risk of recurrence. Radiation therapy is usually given as a series of daily treatments over a period of several weeks.
The prognosis for people with epithelioid sarcoma varies depending on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis and other factors. In general, the 5-year survival rate for people with epithelioid sarcoma is about 50%. Dr. Garvit Chitkara, top oncologist in Bangalore says “However, the prognosis may be better for people with localized disease who receive timely and appropriate treatment”.