Pediatric Sarcomas

Pediatric sarcomas are a group of tumors that primarily affect children and adolescents. These tumors develop in the connective tissues, which include bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage, nerves, fat, and blood vessels. Pediatric sarcomas can occur anywhere in the body and are often classified based on the location of the tumor.

Although the symptoms and treatments of pediatric sarcomas are similar to sarcomas present in an adult body, children have different needs and require special care. Early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan involving a pediatric oncologist are essential to treat pediatric sarcoma and improve the quality of life for children.

At Sarcoma Oncology Center, we offer a support network for the treatment of pediatric sarcoma. We coordinate care with a pediatric oncologist when we see children and adolescents. Our team is involved in new studies, trials, and innovative therapies to treat sarcomas.

Understanding Pediatric Sarcomas

Pediatric sarcomas are a group of malignant tumors that grow fast and can spread to other parts of the body. It accounts for approximately 10% of childhood solid tumors. A solid tumor is an abnormal tissue mass that usually does not contain cysts or liquid areas.

The incidence of sarcoma is more in children than adults. Sarcoma constitutes about 15% of all cancer cases in children as opposed to only 1% for adults.

Although the diagnosis and treatment approach to sarcoma for children is the same as for adults, children have different needs and require special care. Family is affected differently too when their child has sarcoma, necessitating a heightened level of support and understanding.

Dr. Chawla and the staff at Sarcoma Oncology Center offer a depth of compassion that exceeds standard care. Even our adult patients who first come to the Center in Santa Monica are immediately aware of the supportive environment and nurturing relationships. Our team aims to ease the apprehension of the child and their family and enable them to feel safe when they visit the Center.

Types of Pediatric Sarcoma

Pediatric sarcomas typically develop in fat, cartilage, connective tissue, tendons, joints, and the arms and legs. But it can also start in the head and neck area, abdomen, chest, and pelvis.

Some of the frequently diagnosed types of sarcoma in children include:

Rhabdomyosarcoma: Rhabdomyosarcoma is a soft tissue sarcoma that often starts in muscle tissue attached to the skeleton.
Synovial sarcoma: This type of sarcoma develops in different types of soft tissue, such as muscle or ligaments. It is often found in the arm, leg, or foot and near joints such as the wrist or ankle.
Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is a bone tumor that usually affects children and young adults during rapid bone growth.
Ewing sarcoma: Ewing sarcoma develops in the bones and the soft tissue around the bones. It is usually diagnosed in long bones of the arm and leg, pelvis, and ribs.
Infantile fibrosarcoma: Infantile fibrosarcoma is a large and fast-growing tumor that typically occurs in infants and young children.

Diagnosis of Pediatric Sarcomas

Tests and procedures for the diagnosis of pediatric sarcoma may include the following.

Physical examinations are done to check for signs such as lumps, redness, and swelling in painful areas.
Imaging tests, such as MRI, CT scan, and PET scan, are done to find out the location and size of the tumor.
Bone scan is done to find a tumor in your bone or to follow the progress of treatment.
Biopsy tests involve extracting tissue samples from the affected area to determine the nature of tumor cells.

Treatment of Pediatric Sarcomas

The goal of treatment for pediatric sarcoma is usually to remove or kill as much of the tumor as possible. Treating children applies the same methods and integrative approach used for adults. Our team takes special care to develop individualized treatment plans based on the grade of the tumor, medical history, and health.

As in adult sarcoma cases, the treatment of pediatric sarcoma may involve one or more of the following approaches:

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses strong medication to shrink or control the growth of tumor cells.
Surgery: Surgery may be performed to remove the tumor. It can be followed by other approaches to kill the remaining cells.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses powerful radiation beams to shrink or kill tumor cells.
Clinical trials: Clinical trials are considered when the standard approach to treatment is deemed ineffective for treating pediatric sarcoma.

Pediatric Sarcomas Treatment at Sarcoma Oncology Center

At Sarcoma Oncology Center, we coordinate care with a pediatric oncologist to design treatment plans for pediatric sarcoma. We provide connections and community support to help children get treated. We also inform parents about organizations that offer support and outreach for children.

At our office in Santa Monica, we design personalized and innovative plans for treating pediatric sarcoma.

To schedule a consultation, please call us at 310-552-9999 or request an appointment online.