Services We Offer
The following services are offered as a part
of the Sarcoma Program:
Evaluation and Diagnosis
The best way to determine whether a mass is benign or malignant is through a
biopsy. During this procedure, a doctor makes an incision or uses a special
needle to remove a sample of tumor tissue. A pathologist examines the tissue
under a microscope and if cancer is present, the pathologist can usually determine
the type of cancer and its grade.
The grade of the tumor is determined by how
abnormal the cancer cells appear when examined
under a microscope. The grade predicts the probable
growth rate of the tumor and its tendency to
spread. Low-grade sarcomas, although cancerous,
are less likely to metastasize or spread. High-grade
sarcomas are more likely to spread to other parts
of the body. Other methods that may be used to
determine the size and extent of tumor include
X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scan, positron
emission tomography (PET) scan, magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) and bone scan.
Pennsylvania Hospital's Sarcoma Program
assembles all the doctors and other health care
professionals needed to accurately diagnose your
particular condition. After your initial examination,
the doctors and staff meet as a group to discuss
your case. Together, they review their findings
as well as any medical documents you have provided
and develop an individualized plan of care.
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Treatment Approaches
The goal of any cancer treatment is to eliminate
the cancer and prevent or reduce its chance
of spreading. The treatment for sarcomas depends
on the type, size, location, and stage of cancer,
as well as the patient's age and general
health. Treatment options include surgery,
radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
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Surgery
Surgery is the primary treatment for both bone
and soft tissue tumors. If possible, the surgeon
will remove the cancer and a safe margin of
the healthy tissue around it. Depending on
the location and size of the sarcoma, it may
be necessary to remove or amputate all or part
of an extremity.
Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy received
before surgery may make it possible to prevent
amputation. When the tumor involves the bone,
surgeons may be able to avoid amputation by removing
only the cancerous section of the bone and replacing
it with a prosthesis or artificial bone.
Following
surgery, you will receive in-depth instructions
that will ensure a smooth transition once you
are home. At-home nurse visits and home or outpatient
physical therapy can be arranged, if needed.
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Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy treatment uses drugs to kill cancerous
cells. These drugs travel through the bloodstream
so they can kill cancer cells throughout the
body. Chemotherapy can be given orally
or through a needle in the vein. If the cancer
has spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy
may be used to shrink tumors and reduce the
pain and discomfort.
If chemotherapy is indicated, a medical oncologist
will direct this aspect of your care. Your medical
oncologist also will oversee your progress throughout
treatment and follow-up.
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Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy utilizes high energy X-rays
to kill cancer cells in specific areas of the
body. This may be done before surgery to shrink
the tumor or after surgery to kill any cancer
cells left behind. Radiation therapy can be
used alone, or in combination with other treatments,
such as chemotherapy.
Our radiation oncologists
use special techniques to minimize the effect
on normal surrounding body tissue. The sophisticated
equipment used aims just the right amount of
radiation at the precise location of a tumor.
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Rehabilitation
After surgery, an experienced team of physical
therapists and occupational therapists will
develop a plan to maximize your strength, mobility,
independence, and overall function. Therapy
usually begins in the hospital after surgery
and frequently continues after discharge.
Your therapist assists in arranging outpatient
therapy and ordering any needed equipment. If
surgical braces or an artificial limb (prosthesis)
is needed, specialists certified in these items
are consulted.
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Living After Treatment
Follow-up care after treatment for sarcoma is
essential. This involves periodic checks with
a medical oncologist or evidence of disease
recurrence. Sarcomas may recur locally (at
the original site of disease) or distantly
(in other parts of the body). The risk of this
diminishes significantly over time.
Imaging studies are used to evaluate the area
of local disease. The most common site of metastasis
in sarcoma is in the lungs. This is why you may
have a chest scan or chest X-ray at regular follow-up
intervals. Other aspects of follow-up care include
monitoring quality of life, functioning, as well
as potential delayed effects of chemotherapy
and radiation.
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Patient and Family Services
Being diagnosed with cancer can be emotionally
and physically challenging. You may feel angry,
depressed or anxious. All of these responses
are normal. JKCC offers educational
programs,
counseling and other activities to help patients
and their loved ones cope with cancer diagnosis
and treatment.
Social
workers offer counseling in private and
family sessions and can help you with financial
issues, transportation for treatment, community-based
services, insurance issues, and transition from
hospital to home. In addition, support
groups offer an opportunity to share experiences
with others who face similar situations. Psychological
counseling, music
therapy and shiatsu
massage are also available.
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