July is Sarcoma Awareness Month, and doctors are reminding people not to ignore one of the cancer’s most common warning signs: a painless lump that continues to grow. Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the body’s connective tissues, including muscle, fat, nerves, and bone.
Warning Signs and Detection
One of the biggest warning signs is a lump that is growing, painless, and located deep beneath the skin. Dr. Charles Matthews, a board-certified radiation oncologist at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System, emphasizes the importance of being aware of sarcoma’s warning signs, even though the cancer is rare.
Doctors recommend having any lump that continues to grow over weeks or months evaluated, particularly if it is located deep beneath the skin. Early detection can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. If found early, early stage, there can be as much as a 90% cure rate — nine out of 10 people. But if found late, one out of 10.
Not every lump is cancerous, but doctors say a painless lump that does not go away or continues to grow should not be ignored. Seeking medical attention early can help determine the cause and, if necessary, allow treatment to begin sooner.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
