Diagnosis
To obtain a diagnosis, a combination of clinical history, radiology (imaging), and expertise in sarcoma pathology is often necessary. From molecular testing to innovative diagnostic imaging, the Sarcoma Department at Moffitt has extensive experience with the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of sarcoma.
Treatment
Sarcoma is not one disease; there are more than 70 types of sarcoma. Sarcomas are rare tumors that arise in the connective tissue of the body. Connective tissue consists of fat, bone, muscle, blood vessels, nerves and fibrous tissues.
Sarcomas represent 1% of all adult cancers and 15% of all solid cancers in children. They are divided into two main groups: bone sarcomas and soft-tissue sarcomas. Treatments for sarcoma vary depending on tumor type, location and other factors. Such treatments are:
Your First Visit
The Sarcoma Clinic is comprised of a team from multiple disciplines, including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, physician assistants, nurses, clinical trial coordinators, social workers and many other supporting roles.
On the first visit to the Sarcoma Clinic, the patient will be greeted by one of our patient service representatives in order to complete the registration process. Next, the patient will be called back to the clinical area by one of our medical assistants who will obtain vital signs, review all current medications and ask a few questions related to the patient's care. The patient will meet their primary nurse either before or after the clinic visit with the physician. The patient can expect a full clinical evaluation by the physician, review of his or her radiology studies and review of any previous pathology. It is possible that a biopsy may be necessary in the clinic as well as the need to schedule further radiographic studies.
During the conference, the patient's pathology slides are reviewed by the sarcoma pathologist, and his or her radiology films are reviewed by the sarcoma radiologist. The diagnosis, and treatment plans are then discussed and decided upon by the Sarcoma Program's medical, surgical and radiation oncologists.