Best Sarcoma Doctors in Bangalore

Sarcoma, a relatively rare form of cancer, is present primarily in the body's bones or soft tissues like fat, muscle, blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. The exact aetiology remains unknown; however, certain risk factors such as inherited genetic syndromes, prior radiation therapy, chronic inflammation and exposure to specific chemicals or viruses have been identified. There exist over 70 types of sarcoma. Broadly categorised into either soft tissue sarcomas or bone sarcomas (also known as osteosarcomas), the most commonly diagnosed variants include liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma.

In Bangalore's bustling cityscape, Apollo Hospitals' team of expert tissue sarcoma doctors and bone sarcoma surgeons are well equipped to manage these conditions. These top-notch medical professionals, who include some of the best surgeons for muscle sarcoma and adult sarcoma specialists in the country, are noted for their exceptional patient care standards. The subsequent section will shed light on the diagnostic procedures employed by these professionals.

Types/Stages of Sarcoma

Sarcomas come in a plethora - over 70 - of forms. Some prominent ones include:

- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: These typically originate in the body's muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, and fibrous tissues.

- Bone Sarcomas: Also known as Osteosarcomas, they mostly occur in long bones like the thigh or shin bones.

- Liposarcoma: A particularly aggressive form of soft tissue sarcoma that develops in fat cells.

- Leiomyosarcoma: Primarily found in smooth muscle cells present in organs such as the uterus or stomach.

- Rhabdomyosarcoma: More common in children and adolescents, it infects skeletal muscles.

- Ewing Sarcoma: Named after the first pathologist to describe it, it mainly affects the bone or soft tissue.

Symptoms of Sarcoma

The symptoms of Sarcoma vary significantly depending on the tumour's size and location. Some common manifestations include:

- A painless lump that may increase in size over time

- Bone pain or unexplained fractures

- Abdominal pain, often coupled with weight loss

- Blockages in the intestines

- Swelling or pain in the affected area

Tests to Diagnose Sarcoma

Several diagnostic methods are utilised at Apollo Hospitals to accurately identify sarcoma. These include:

- Imaging Tests: MRI scans, ultrasounds, CT scans, and X-rays help visualise the tumour's location.

- Tissue Biopsy: Pieces of tissue from the tumour are removed and analysed for cancer cells.

- Bone Scan: A radioactive tracer identifies cancerous cells within the bones.

- PET Scan: Radioactive glucose is used to highlight cancer cells, which absorb glucose faster than normal cells.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Sarcoma at Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore

Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore provide a comprehensive array of treatment protocols for Sarcoma, tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Here are some of our treatment options:

- Surgery: The primary approach for most sarcomas includes removing all detectable cancer with a margin of healthy tissue around it.

- Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells. It can be administered before surgery to shrink tumours or post-surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

- Chemotherapy: Utilises powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.

- Targeted Therapy: Drugs specifically designed to target cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.

- Immunotherapy: Harnesses the body’s immune system to fight against cancer cells.