Bone & Soft Tissue Sarcoma

There are no effective screening tools or ways to prevent sarcoma. While the majority of suspicious masses discovered are benign, we recommend that any questionable mass be evaluated by your primary care physician. Any unusual bone lesion should be evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon.

At initial presentation, sarcoma may be asymptomatic; symptoms may not present until the cancer has progressed. To provide a diagnosis of sarcoma, a specialist will perform a physical examination and imaging studies, such as an MRI, CT or a bone scan (if it involves the bone) to assess if the disease has spread.

A tissue diagnosis is necessary in order to determine the type or origin of tumor (for example, a tumor of muscle, bone, nerves or fat), the subtype of tumor, its aggressiveness or “grade” (for example, high grade versus intermediate or low grade) and additional tumor characteristics that assist in predicting behavior and prognosis. A precise subtype diagnosis can change the treatment approach.

Tumor tissue is first examined under the microscope by a pathologist with expertise in sarcomas. After microscopic examination, additional special studies are performed including immunophenotyping (identification of the types of proteins a tumor expresses by means of antibody reactions), molecular studies (analysis of small segments of DNA or RNA using in situ hybridization or polymerase chain reaction) and chromosome analysis. When clinically indicated, high throughput genomic sequencing can used for the purpose of both sarcoma categorization as well as potential therapeutic considerations. Once the pathologist completely analyzes the tumor, members of the multidisciplinary team can then discuss optimal treatment for the patient.

Most cases of sarcoma are sporadic (not hereditary); however, sarcoma can be associated with hereditary cancer susceptibility genes in some families. If, in addition to sarcoma, there is a personal or family history of pre-menopausal breast cancer, brain cancer, or of the childhood tumors adrenal cortical carcinoma or choroid plexus carcinoma, then genetic counseling is indicated and genetic testing is available. Hoag offers its Hereditary Cancer Program to the community – a comprehensive genetic counseling and testing program, led by certified genetic counselors and physician leadership. Contact us to see if this may be the right option for you or your family.

For more information, or to contact the Hoag Sarcoma Program Clinic, please call (949) 764-5542.

Hoag’s Precision Medicine Program combines genomics and genetics to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. Using the latest advances in genomic technologies, targeted therapies and research, our precision medicine program brings together a multidisciplinary team, including a robust genetic counseling group of experts, to provide patients with the latest in innovation and technology.

Meet the Precision Medicine Team.

Being diagnosed with cancer can feel overwhelming at times. Many patients and their families need help with coping and can benefit from supportive counseling. Oncology Clinical Social Workers are available to provide emotional and practical support during all stages of cancer including diagnosis, treatment and post-treatment survivorship.

Find out more and meet our team.

Hoag Family Cancer Institute dietitians work closely with patients’ physicians, nurses, therapists, and social workers to ensure complete care.

Find out more and meet our team.

Clinical Nurse Navigators

Clinical Nurse Navigators are a unique asset at Hoag. Our Clinical Nurse Navigators serve as a guides for patients, answering questions and providing support through each phase of treatment.

Oncology Support Services

Oncology Support Services offers a variety of classes to support and educate patients during and after cancer. These classes and workshops are all free of charge:

One-On-One Counseling with an oncology social worker

Fitter Image Exercise Programs, including yoga, pilates and energizing cardio and toning

Workshops for Well-Being, including free flow writing, meditation, reiki and creative art classes

Other Support Programs/Teams include:

Rehabilitation Specialists – While both in the hospital and after discharge, patients will be visited by rehabilitation specialists, experienced in the care and rehab of sarcoma patients.

Palliative Care – For patients experiencing high pain or symptom burden during treatment, the Hoag palliative care team can help. Board-certified palliative care physicians, nurses and social workers are available to help manage physical and emotional symptoms alongside your sarcoma care team.

Cancer Dietitians – Special to Hoag Family Cancer Institute are two dedicated Registered Dietitians available to answer your nutritional questions and provide resources for a healthier diet before, during and after cancer treatment.

Hereditary Cancer Program – Hoag offers both genetic counseling and genetic testing for individuals concerned about hereditary cancer. Feel free to contact us to see if this service may be right for you or your family.

Internet Resources:

Not all websites are credible. Here are a few websites recommended by the Musculoskeletal Tumor society if you were interested in:

• National Cancer Institute

• American Cancer Society

• AAOS – Your Orthopaedic Connection

• The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Bone and Cancer Foundation

• Association of Cancer Online Resources

• Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation

• MHE Research Foundation

• Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

• The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery

• National Institutes of Health

• Connective Tissue Oncology Society

• Lymphangiomatosis and Gorham’s Disease Alliance

• Sarcoma Alliance

• Amputee Coalition

• Leiomyosarcoma Support & Direct Research Foundation (LMSDR)

For more information on the Hoag Sarcoma Program, or to contact the Hoag Sarcoma Program Clinic, please call (949) 764-5542.