What are sarcomas of the foot and ankle
Sarcomas are cancerous tumors that grow in muscles, fat, joints, nerves, or blood vessels. Though they are rare, occurring in only 30 cases out of a million people, they can be very serious and should be treated immediately.
Medical researchers have connected soft tissue sarcomas to exposure to chemicals, high-dose radiation, viral infections, and genetic abnormalities. In most cases, however, the cause is unknown.
How is soft tissue sarcoma diagnosed?
Dr. Bob is expertly trained at identifying all types of masses on your feet and ankles. If your doctor suspects that your cyst is, in fact, a soft tissue sarcoma, he will use MRI imaging to see the size and depth of the mass.
MRIs are also used to guide biopsies, assess the tumor’s response to treatments, and monitor disease progression. As noted in the National Cancer Institute, “Serial MRI examinations are useful for following patients during and after treatment.”
A simple X-ray may also be used to study large, deep, soft tissue masses that are fixed to the bone. The Mayo Clinic also states, “Your doctor might recommend additional imaging tests, such as X-rays, to see if the cancer has spread to your lungs or other parts of your body.”
Treatment of soft tissue sarcoma
If Dr. Bob determines that you have a soft tissue sarcoma, such as synovial sarcoma, he will most likely refer you to an oncologist, a doctor who specializes in cancer treatments.
The oncologist’s main goal is to control the local and distant spread of the tumor with the least amount of disruption to your quality of life. As stated by Cleveland Clinic, the key is removing the tumor through surgery.
Treatment options vary depending on several factors, including tumor size, location, grade, and stage; patient age and health; and more, according to NCI.
Treatment options vary depending on several factors, including:
- Size, grade, and stage of the sarcoma
- Patient’s age and general health
- Speed as when cancer cells are growing and dividing
- Whether all of the cancer was removed in surgery
- Whether cancer has recurred
Radiation and chemotherapy are often combined with surgery to lower the risk of recurrence. Radiation and chemotherapy can be administered either before or after the tumor is removed. The timing of the therapy depends upon the tumor site and the doctor’s judgment.
Your oncologist will inform you of the importance of maintaining follow-up visits after treatment. Tumors that come back may cause a serious problem, and it’s best to catch them early.
Why Dr. Bob is the right choice for synovial sarcoma care
Dr. Bob Baravarian is an expert at identifying masses of the foot and ankle. We utilize the latest technologies to ensure accurate diagnoses and proper treatment selection.
Interested in a consultation? Please call (855) 557-5400 or request a consultation online.
Dr. Bob Baravarian is conveniently located in Los Angeles, near Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, providing expert foot and ankle care for patients throughout Southern California.
