TREATMENT OF SARCOMA: CHEMOTHERAPY, RADIATION THERAPY AND SURGERY

CHEMOTHERAPY

Sarcomas are highly malignant tumours. Chemotherapy increases the chances of survival. In
most cases it is several cycles before surgery to shrink the mass and see if the treatment is
working.

 

RADIATION THERAPY

In most high-grade sarcomas (especially when they are larger than 5 cm and the resection limits are small), radiotherapy is used as a neoadjuvant method. Radiation therapy has important side effects such as radiodermitis and edema in the extremities. However, they considerably reduce the risk of recurrence, making it an important tool in the fight against this serious disease.

 

SURGERY

It remains the main and key weapon in the treatment of sarcomas. It should be performed only by surgeons with extensive experience and training in reference centers in the treatment of this disease. The surgeon must rely on a multidisciplinary team of expert pathologists, oncologists, radiologists, etc.

Until not so many years ago, the word sarcoma was synonymous with amputation. Today, thanks to improvements in chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical technique (the assistance of the plastic surgeon is also fundamental in large reconstructions), limb salvage surgery is the first surgical option in the treatment of sarcomas.
 

Contact Dr. Oscar Tendero, specialist in sarcoma treatment in Mallorca.