If you suspect you have sarcoma, you’ll want a quick and accurate diagnosis. As the leading provider of sarcoma care in central Ohio, the OSUCCC – James uses the latest cancer screening and diagnostic technologies. There are over 80 subtypes of sarcomas and your doctor will work with you to determine which approach will work best for your case.
Sarcoma screening
There is currently no recommended screening test or exam for sarcoma. Due to the rarity of the cancer and the dozens of subtypes, there isn’t one comprehensive test that can screen for all sarcoma types.
However, there are some genetic factors that might make you more likely to develop specific sarcomas. Genetic tests are available to help determine if your genetic makeup contains markers for those sarcomas. While these tests can help determine if you’re more likely to develop the cancer, they are not used as a regular screening tool and can’t predict if you will get it.
There may be certain risk factors that could increase the likelihood that you develop a specific type of sarcoma. It’s important to see your doctor if you’re at risk or have specific questions.
How is sarcoma diagnosed?
Sarcomas are usually diagnosed through a series of tests, depending on the type of cancer suspected. If your doctor thinks you have sarcoma, they will order the appropriate diagnostic tests. Soft tissue sarcomas, osteosarcomas and other subtypes may require additional testing measures.
Some of these tests may include:
Imaging
There are a variety of imaging tests your doctor may order.
The most common imaging tests used in a sarcoma diagnosis are:
- X-ray
- Computed tomography (CT) scan at the site of concern
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Bone scan – these are often used to determine if sarcomas have spread to other bones of the body
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
Types of biopsies
Biopsies are performed to further classify the sarcoma type. Samples from tissue are taken from the site of concern. From there, the tissue sample will be sent to a lab for further analysis to determine if sarcoma is present.
The following biopsies are often performed to diagnose sarcoma, but the exact method used will be determined by your doctor:
- Core needle biopsy: A core needle biopsy occurs when a doctor removes tissue from the suspected sarcoma using a wider needle than a fine needle biopsy. Often, multiple tissue samples from the sarcoma will be taken. This procedure uses local anesthetic to numb the area.
- Fine needle biopsy: During a fine needle biopsy, a doctor will use a small, thin needle and insert it into the suspected sarcoma. Tissue is extracted into the needle for further testing. You should not feel any discomfort.
- Incisional biopsy: In an incisional biopsy, the doctor will remove part of the suspected tumor during a surgical procedure. Most incisional sarcoma biopsies require local or regional anesthesia, so you won’t feel the procedure, but you’ll be awake. If the incisional biopsy is more complex, general anesthesia may be required and you will be asleep for the procedure.
- Excisional biopsy: This type of biopsy includes removing the entire suspected tumor and is performed under general anesthesia. It’s not used in most sarcoma cases, only rare ones. An excisional biopsy can make additional surgeries to remove suspected areas of sarcoma difficult if a sarcoma diagnosis is made.
- Bronchoscopy: Additional types of sarcomas that form in the lungs may require a bronchoscopy. While this is an imaging test, biopsies can be performed during it. A doctor will put a scope with a camera into your nose or throat and into your lungs. During this procedure, your doctor may take biopsies to confirm a diagnosis. You are sedated during this time and shouldn’t remember the procedure or have pain.
If you have been diagnosed with a type of sarcoma and would like a second opinion or would like to meet with one of our sarcoma experts, call The James Line at 800-293-5066 to make an appointment.
View our video series on sarcoma