Fast Facts About Sarcoma & Bone Cancer

July marks the start of Sarcoma and Bone Cancer awareness month. Roughly 15 people are diagnosed with sarcoma daily; however, 75% of the public have no idea what sarcoma is—# SarcomaAwarenessMonth.

Nearly 14,000 people will be diagnosed with a form of soft tissue sarcoma. According to the American Cancer Society’s statistics, about 5,500 people are expected to die of soft tissue sarcoma. These statistics include both adults and children.

Sarcoma (SAR-co-ma) is a malignant tumor arising in tissue (such as connective tissue, bone, cartilage, or striated muscle) of mesodermal origin (Merriam-Webster).

Baylor College of Medicine refers to sarcoma as the “forgotten cancer,” there are generally two categories of sarcoma cancer:  soft-tissue and bone sarcoma. While sarcoma is about 1% of all diagnoses, there are more than 50 different subtypes, making it difficult to discover and diagnose.

Below are the Five Facts to know about sarcoma list from the National Foundation for Cancer Research:

  1. Sarcomas are rare: about one percent of all adult cancer diagnoses are sarcoma, therefore it is rare for adults. However, about 1700 children in the United States are diagnosed with either a bone or a soft tissue in sarcoma each year.
  2. Sarcoma can develop nearly anywhere in the body. The most common areas sarcoma tumors grow are the legs, ands, arms, neck, chest, shoulders, abdomen, and hips. According to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, 50-60% of soft tissue sarcomas show up in the arms and legs.
  3. The cause of sarcomas is mostly unknown. The Mayo Clinic states that sarcoma cancers can show up in various places in your body.  A group of cancers begin in the bones and in the soft tissues. The soft tissue sarcoma forms in the tissues that connect, support, and surround other body structures, including muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and the lining of the joints.  The list of the variety of sarcoma types are found at the link and scroll to the word “Types.”
  4. Sarcomas are difficult to detect and diagnose. Since sarcomas are rare and can take multiple forms in several locations, it is difficult to identify and often get misdiagnosed. The National Foundation for Cancer Research’s website state, that in sarcomas’ early stages, the soft tissue sarcomas rarely display any symptoms, only seen as a painless bump. As the tumor grows, you may start to feel some pain depending on the location of the tumor. Many people have a strong family history of soft tissue sarcomas.  Talk to your doctor about genetic testing.
  5. Get a second opinion, if you had been recently diagnosed and here is why: Due to sarcomas being rare, many doctors have never seen or treated a patient with sarcoma. It is recommended to get a second opinion from a provider who specializes in sarcoma.

What you need to know about the survival rates. The American Cancer Society’s website states that a relative 5-year survival rate for a specific stage of soft tissue sarcoma is 80%, meaning that people who have that cancer are, on average, about 80% as likely as people who do not have cancer to live for a least 5 years after being diagnosed. Learn more about the 5-year relative survival rate at the link.

What Salish Cancer Center can do for You. We diagnose and treat many forms of cancer. From the more common cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, to rarer diseases, such as brain cancer and cancers of the oral cavity, our oncologists and care professionals are experienced and passionate about cancer treatment. Our integrative and individualized cancer care philosophy makes Salish Cancer Center a premier cancer diagnosis and treatment destination.

To learn more about the cancers we treat, our treatment options, or our oncologists and medical team of professionals, contact us at 253-382-6300 or visit: www.salishcancercenter.com/treatments/

References

Cancer-fighting Lifestyle – 5 Facts to Know about Sarcoma. NFCR. (2021, April 1). https://www.nfcr.org/blog/blog5-facts-know-sarcoma/.

Key Statistics for Soft Tissue Sarcomas. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/soft-tissue-sarcoma/about/key-statistics.html.

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2020, December 5). Sarcoma. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sarcoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351048#:~:text=Sarcoma%20is%20a%20type%20of,tissues%20(soft%20tissue%20sarcoma).

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Sarcoma. Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sarcoma.

Momentum, & Phifer, A. (2019, October 8). Understanding sarcoma, one of the rarest cancers. Baylor College of Medicine Blog Network. https://blogs.bcm.edu/2019/07/31/understanding-sarcoma-one-of-the-rarest-cancers/.

May | Brain Cancer Awareness Month

THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF BRAIN CANCER INCLUDE GLIOMAS AND MENINGEAL TUMORS.

The most common types of adult brain tumors are gliomas, which form from glial cells, followed by meningeal tumors. The glial cells are the most abundant type of cell in the CNS. They protect the neurons (nerves that conduct messages) from damage. Meningeal cells form the membranous layers that surround the CNS. Brain tumors’ symptoms can vary widely depending on the location within the brain and type of tumor tissue. Common symptoms can include headaches, seizures, balance changes, or alteration of senses like vision, smell, or taste.

WE FEATURE AN INTEGRATIVE AND INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH TO BRAIN CANCER TREATMENT.

Treatment for brain cancer has greatly evolved with recent advances in research. The medical oncologists at Salish Cancer Center have worked with patients using stand-alone or combination therapies, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and, more recently, tumor treating fields for certain tumor types such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Treatment for symptoms may include anti-seizure drugs, steroids, and surgery. Coordination between specialists is a necessity.

As a Salish Cancer Center patient, you will also visit a naturopathic physician specifically trained in Integrative Oncology using diet, supplements, and lifestyle counseling. Our naturopathic doctors work with patients at all stages of the disease with symptom management, optimize your conventional treatment for the greatest effect, and support your overall health and well-being. Acupuncture treatments are often highly effective for many cancer-related conditions such as nausea, pain, and insomnia.

Courage Award Recipient Mr. Mathis

Meet John Mathis Jr. – Salish Cancer Center’s Courage Award Recipient

In December 2018 Mr. Mathis was diagnosed with an aggressive B cell lymphoma and began treatment at Salish Cancer Center and completed his first round of treatment in June of 2019 which put him in remission.

During his follow-up imaging a mass was detected in one of his lungs and was diagnosed to have “non-small cell lung cancer” (NSCLC). He underwent chemotherapy and radiation followed by immunotherapy which he completed on March 31,2021 achieving a complete response to his lung cancer.

He has kept a very positive mindset and strong spiritual faith throughout it all

~ SHAWNA SMITH, SALISH CANCER CENTER’S NURSE PRACTITIONER.


Mr. Mathis continued to work during his treatments while also dealing with other vascular and cardiac issues. “He has kept a very positive mindset and strong spiritual faith throughout it all,” says Shawna Smith, Salish Cancer Center’s Nurse Practitioner.

We congratulate Mr. Mathis’s strength and perseverance throughout his cancer treatments. Learn more about the variety of treatments we offer.

Inclusion and Diversity Statement

A message from Salish Cancer Center Leadership.

Six Things About Oral Cancer

Did you know …

That every hour, 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year, someone dies of mouth and throat cancer. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation’s March 25, 2021 blog post, an estimate of 54,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed this year alone.

Did you know …

Many of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer is predominately caused by tobacco and alcohol usage.

Did you know …

Regular oral cancer examinations performed by your Dentist is the best method for detecting oral cancer in its early stages.

Did you know …

Those who are newly diagnosed today, half will be alive in 5 years.

Did you know …

The “Check Your Mouth” website is designed to encourage the public to check for signs and symptoms of oral cancer between dental visits and urges people to visit the dentist if symptoms do not improve or disappear after two or three weeks.

Did you know …

According to the “Check Your Mouth” a routine monthly self-exam, only takes 5 to 10 minutes!  Check out the Self-Examination video for more details: https://player.vimeo.com/video/235399959

References

Check Your Mouth! (2020). Retrieved April 07, 2021, from https://checkyourmouth.org/wp/#!/up

Hill, B. (n.d.). April is oral cancer Awareness month – 2021. Retrieved April 07, 2021, from https://oralcancerfoundation.org/april-is-oral-cancer-awareness-month-2021/

We will resume our regular hours on Tuesday, October 12, 2021

1st Courage Award Recipient

Courage Award Recipient | March 2021

Meet Phetkeo – Salish Cancer Center’s First Courage Award Recipient

Phetkeo Lavivong is Salish Cancer Center’s first “Courage Award” recipient!

During Phetkeo’s visit with her daughter, Joanne (Pictured Left), Phetkeo was diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Joanne and her young family moved her mom in with them so that Phetkeo could recover from surgery and chemo treatment.

Phetkeo made it through her surgery and completed chemotherapy with radiation! We celebrate Phetkeo’s courage and strength.

Learn more about the variety of treatments we offer.

Read Marcie’s Cancer Journey