Sarcomas:

Sarcomas are tumors that originate in bone, muscle, cartilage, fibrous tissue or fat. Ewing sarcoma (Family of tumors) and Kaposi's sarcoma are the common types of sarcomas.Ewing sarcoma occurs during the rapid bone growth that generally occurs during puberty. It is seldom seen before a child is 10 years old. The tumor may arise in the long bones of the extremities, most often in the femur (thigh bone) or the pelvis. It may also develop in the skull or the flat bones of the trunk. This type of tumor is almost never seen in black children.Clinical symptoms are few. The most common is pain and occasionally swelling at the site of the tumor. Fever may also be present and is considered an unfavorable prognostic sign. The tumor spreads easily, often to the lungs and other bones. Metastasis is present in approximately one-third of the children at the time of diagnosis. There is no known prevention for this disorder.If a tumor is suspected, tests to locate the primary tumor and any spread often include skeletal and chest X-rays, CT/CAT scan of the chest, bone scan and a biopsy of the tumor.Treatment is under the direction of a cancer specialist (oncologist) and often includes a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical excision (removal) of the primary tumor, or amputation of the involved extremity (not routinely recommended).Kaposi's sarcoma is a malignant tumor frequently involving the skin of AIDS victims. In AIDS patients, it can develop aggressively and often involves the skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and other organs. Safe sexual practices can prevent infection with HIV, the virus responsible for AIDS, and its complications of which Kaposi's sarcoma is one.Symptoms include bluish-red macule or papule with an irregular shape, bleeding with gastrointestinal lesions, shortness of breath with pulmonary (lung) lesions, or bloody sputum with pulmonary lesions. Skin lesion biopsy and endoscopy are tests carried out as part of the diagnosis.Treatment decisions depend upon the extent and location of the lesions, as well as the person's symptoms and degree of immunosuppression. Excision of cutaneous lesions can be attempted. Radiation therapy or cryotherapy can be used for lesions in selected areas. Combination chemotherapy can also be used. The tumor can recur even after apparently successful treatment. This can be a fatal disorder for a person with AIDS.