The incidence of sarcoma in children is greater than in adults. Approximately 15% of children with cancer are a diagnosed with a subtype of sarcoma as opposed to only 1% for adults. Everything about the disease is the same for children, but children have different needs and require special care because of their youth. Family is affected differently too when it’s the child, not the parent with cancer.

Children's Cancer Treatment in Santa MonicaChildren and adolescents with pediatric sarcoma face more than the usual challenge from cancer and the Sarcoma Oncology Center in Los Angeles is uniquely qualified to help. Dr. Chawla and the staff offer a depth of compassion which exceeds standard care. Adult patients who first come into the Center in Santa Monica are always immediately aware of the supportive environment and nurturing relationships. There isn’t the typical clinical feel with Sarcoma Oncology Center in Los Angeles, and it’s this difference which can ease a child’s apprehension and enable them to feel safe when they visit the Center for treatments.

Types of Pediatric Sarcoma

Sarcoma for children isn’t any different than for adults. It develops in areas that surround, connect or support the body’s structure or organs such as fat, cartilage, connective tissue, tendons, joints, and the arms and legs, but sarcomas can also start in the head and neck area, abdomen, chest, and pelvis.

Some of the more frequently diagnosed types of sarcoma for children include:

  • Osteosarcoma – most common type of bone cancer and usually appears during rapid bone growth.
  • Ewing’s – can appear in both bone and soft tissue; typically develops in long bones of arm and leg, pelvis and ribs.
  • Rhabdomyosarcomas – the most common childhood soft tissue sarcoma. It grows in the muscles attached to the skeleton.
  • Synovial Cell Sarcoma – found in the arms or legs next to a joint but also near foot, ankle, and hand; frequently adjacent to the knee. This type is often painful.

To learn more about pediatric sarcoma treatment, please visit WebMD.com.

Treating children applies the same methods and integrative approach used for adults, and diagnosing sarcoma in an early stage is just as important for children as it is for adults. The Sarcoma Oncology Center in Los Angeles takes special care to develop individualized sarcoma treatment plans based on grade of tumor, medical history, and health. As in adult cancer cases, children may require a combination of two or more procedures. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy are used depending on the type or location of the tumor and whether it has spread. Unlike other cancer treatment centers, the doctors at the Sarcoma Oncology Center in Santa Monica understand the importance of limb preservation and have a strong reputation of success in protecting as much healthy tissue and physical function as possible while also treating the tumor.

With two or more doctors treating the patient in these situations, the Sarcoma Oncology Center in Los Angeles coordinates cancer treatment making sure that everything stays on schedule.

Network of Support

For children, a support network is one of the most important factors to consider, and possibly it’s the area that is the most challenging because of age. Since Sarcoma Oncology Center physicians in Los Angeles have been helping patients in this field for a long time, they have the connections and community which can benefit children. Parents can be provided with information about organizations that offer support and outreach for children.

If your child was recently diagnosed with sarcoma, and you would like a consultation or second opinion, contact the specialists at the Sarcoma Oncology Center in Santa Monica today at 310-552-9999.

Next, read about sarcoma symptoms and diagnosis.