From age to previous exposure to radiation therapy, know the main causes that can trigger the development of sarcoma.
Sarcoma is a broad group of cancers that develop in the connective tissues of the body, including bones, muscles, fat, nerves, and blood vessels. Unlike many other cancers that have well-established causes, such as smoking for lung cancer or HPV infection for cervical cancer, sarcoma often develops without a clear, identifiable reason. This uncertainty makes prevention particularly challenging.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Pushpinder Gulia, director of surgical oncology and robotic oncosurgery, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram said, “Ongoing research has revealed certain risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing sarcoma. Understanding these contributing causes is crucial, not only for early detection but also for taking necessary precautions where possible.” The oncologist further shared a few possible causes of sarcoma.
1. Genetic predispositions and syndromes
Certain inherited conditions can increase the risk of sarcoma, such as:
Advertisement
To order your copy, send a WhatsApp message to +1 317 665 2180
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)
- Retinoblastoma (RB1) gene mutation
- Werner syndrome and Gardner syndrome
These genetic syndromes often involve mutations in tumor suppressor genes, making individuals more prone to cancers, including sarcomas.
2. Previous radiation therapy
People who have undergone radiation therapy for other cancers (like breast or lymphoma) are at slightly higher risk of developing a radiation-induced sarcoma at the site of treatment, typically after a latency period of 5–10 years.
