Sarcoma is a rare group of cancers that begin in the bones or soft tissues such as fat, muscle, nerves, blood vessels, or connective tissues. Unlike more common cancers, sarcomas can occur anywhere in the body and are known for their diverse subtypes. They are broadly classified into bone sarcomas (like osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma) and soft tissue sarcomas (such as liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and synovial sarcoma).

📊 Prevalence in India

Sarcomas account for less than 1% of all adult cancers and around 15% of all childhood cancers. In India, the burden is slowly being recognized, particularly among the paediatric and young adult population. Due to their rarity, sarcomas are often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late, making expert multidisciplinary care crucial.

🧬 Causes and Hereditary Factors

While the exact cause of sarcoma remains unknown in most cases, several risk factors have been identified:

• Genetic syndromes like Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Neurofibromatosis type 1, and hereditary retinoblastoma increase the risk.
• Radiation exposure from prior cancer treatment.
• Certain chemical exposures and chronic swelling (lymphedema).
• Some cases emerge without any known risk factors.

👶 Impact on Children

Sarcomas like rhabdomyosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma are among the most common childhood cancers. These diagnoses can deeply affect the child’s physical growth, emotional development, and social interactions, making compassionate and comprehensive care essential.

👶 Impact on Children – Special Focus on Neural-Origin Sarcomas

Sarcomas such as rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, and osteosarcoma are among the most common in children. However, a smaller subset of paediatric sarcomas arises from the neural tissue, such as Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumours (MPNST).

These neural-origin sarcomas are often linked to genetic conditions like Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and may present as rapidly enlarging, deep-seated, and painful masses. Their aggressive behavior and potential to affect vital nerve structures make early diagnosis and expert management crucial.

At Healius Cancer and Haematology Clinics, children with such rare tumours receive specialized, age-appropriate care under the guidance of Dr. Mangesh Kamath, with a focus on:

Preserving neurological function

Ensuring optimal tumour control

Supporting the child’s psychological and developmental health

Our team works closely with paediatric surgeons, neurologists, psychologists, and rehabilitation experts to deliver holistic care and improve long-term quality of life.

💊 Treatment Options at Healius Cancer and Haematology Clinics

Under the expert guidance of Dr. Mangesh Kamath, a renowned medical oncologist, sarcoma patients at Healius receive personalized and evidence-based treatment plans that may include:

• Surgery to remove the tumor with maximum tissue preservation
• Radiation therapy for local control, especially when surgery isn’t feasible
• Chemotherapy for aggressive or metastatic disease
• Targeted therapy and immunotherapy in select cases based on genetic profiling

Each patient benefits from a multidisciplinary tumor board discussion, ensuring optimal treatment planning and sequencing.

❤️‍🩹 Coping With Treatment and Beyond

Sarcoma treatment can be intense and long-term, affecting both the patient and their family. At Healius, our holistic approach includes:

• Psychological counseling and emotional support
• Nutritional guidance to aid recovery and manage treatment side effects
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation to restore function and mobility
• Survivorship care plans for long-term monitoring and quality of life

We walk hand-in-hand with caregivers, providing education, support groups, and respite care resources.

🏥 Why Choose Healius Cancer and Haematology Clinics?

At Healius, we believe every sarcoma patient deserves precision medicine with a human touch. Under the leadership of Dr. Mangesh Kamath, we combine advanced oncology with compassionate care. From diagnosis to survivorship, we ensure that no patient feels alone in their journey.

Healius – where expertise meets empathy.