Know All About Sarcoma, the Forgotten Cancer

1. 1 LOS GATOS, CA | CAMPBELL, CA | SARATOGA, CA

2. 2 Know All About Sarcoma, the Forgotten Cancer

3. 3 Introduction When healthy cells transform and grow beyond control to form tumors, it might be the start of cancer. Tumors can be malignant (cancerous) or benign. The malignant or cancerous tumors spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor grows and infiltrates neighboring areas, but it won’t spread and usually won’t affect one’s lifespan.

4. 4 What is Sarcoma? Sarcoma is one of the deadliest rare cancers, affecting both adults and children. Malignant cells develop in the bones and the soft tissues of the body. Soft tissues help in supporting the other parts of your body and include: Cartilage Fat Muscle Blood vessels Nerves Tendons Lining of joints

5. 5 What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Sarcoma? Watch out for these common sarcoma symptoms that may include: A new lump that may or may not be painful A broken bone that happens unexpectedly Bone pain in the arms, legs, and abdomen or pelvis area Trouble moving the arm or leg Unexplained weight loss Back pain

6. 6 What Are The Causes Of Sarcoma? When the DNA of immature bone cells or soft tissue cells is altered, it can cause sarcoma. These cancer cells spread uncontrollably, which eventually can develop into a tumor that could spread to the surrounding healthy tissues. If left untreated, cancer can spread (metastasize) from the primary site of origin to other organs through your bloodstream or lymphatic system. Metastasized cancer can be difficult to treat. Researchers are unsure of what causes a healthy cell to develop into a sarcoma.

7. 7 What Are The Risk Factors Of Sarcoma? Genetics: Certain inherited syndromes can increase the risk of sarcoma, including from parents to children. Radiation therapy: Exposure to high doses of radiation can cause sarcoma, especially a particular type called angiosarcoma. Exposure to chemicals and viruses: Exposure to arsenic and certain chemicals may increase the risk of sarcoma that affects your liver.

8. 8 What Is The Diagnosis For Sarcoma? Physical tests: Your doctor will inquire about your medical history before conducting the physical exam to look for any signs of sarcoma. Imaging tests: Only your doctor can determine which tests are right for you based on your condition. X-rays help detect any problems in your bones and soft tissues. Biopsy: Your doctor will remove a small portion of the tissue from the tumor and send it to the lab for analysis by a pathologist. Based on the report, your doctor in Campbell can determine the type of sarcoma and the best treatment options.

9. 9 What Are The Treatment Options For Sarcoma? Your doctor usually decides the treatment based on the type, location, severity, and extent of the spread of the sarcoma. The common treatment options for sarcoma are: Surgery Radiation therapy Chemotherapy Targeted therapy Immunotherapy Ablation therapy Surgery is typically used to remove the malignant tumors and treat sarcoma. They may also use other treatment procedures before or after surgery.

10. 10 CONCLUSION: Stop Sarcoma Before It Stops You From Living Your Best Life Sarcoma isn’t just one kind of cancer. It’s varied types of growth that might appear in your soft tissue or bones. If you have a mass or tumor, and it’s larger than a golf ball (around 5 centimeters), consult the doctor irrespective of whether it hurts or not. Also, if you experience sudden bone pain that’s not connected to injury and it doesn’t subside, contact your family general practitioners in Saratoga CA immediately.

11. 11 OUR KEY PHILOSOPHY “ ” What I try and do with every patient I see, in the first few minutes, is just let them say what’s on their mind and there’s a lot of study that show we don’t do that enough in medicine. These are small things that you can’t pick up really from just filling out a form. That’s why it’s really important to spend time, talking and listening and building that relationship. ~ Dr. Arun Villivalam, M.D.

12. 1 2 SERVICES WE PROVIDE 01 05 Physicals – All Ages Blood Work A regular physical provides a record of your overall health and can be a useful tool in identifying any changes in your health.  Blood work is an important resource to help determine any conditions that could be causing the symptoms that are bringing a patient to the doctor, 02 06 Lifestyle / Stress Management Chronic Care Management Learn to manage stress by scheduling a wellness checkup and learn preventive strategies. Get medical care for preexisting or long term illnesses, such as asthma, hypertension, depression and cirrhosis.  03 07 Wellness Visits / School Physicals Women’s Health Best primary care physician in Los Gatos provides Womens Health screening from our practice in Los Gatos, CA A regular check up provides the opportunity to monitor your child’s growth and development and to safeguard against any potential issues.  04 08 Men’s Health Medicare Annual Wellness Visits Men’s health screenings will catch any conditions in early stages where preventative medicine can be used to treat or manage a condition before it progresses. Medicare encourages its members to review their health annually, and to take care of any potential medical concerns before they develop into something more serious. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque enim nisl, vulputate quis mi sed, dapibus hendrerit turpis. Praesent at volutpat neque, ut rutrum odio. Sed quis tincidunt dui, in vulputate arcu.

13. 1 3 MEET DR. ARUN VILLIVALAM Dr. Arun Villivalam is a concerned and caring family physician and primary care doctor serving the community of Los Gatos, CA. Dr. Villivalam attended Thomas Jefferson University, where he received his medical degree, and completed his residency in family medicine at Cook County Hospital.