Sarcoma is a wide category of cancers that arise in the body's connective tissues, such as bones, muscles, fat, nerves, and blood vessels. In contrast to many other cancers with well-established causes, such as smoking for lung cancer or HPV infection for cervical cancer, sarcoma usually arises without a clear, identifiable cause. Due to this ambiguity, prevention is especially difficult.

"Continuous studies have found particular risk factors that may raise the chance of developing sarcoma," said Dr. Pushpinder Gulia, director of surgical oncology and robotic oncosurgery at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. It is essential to comprehend these underlying reasons, both for early diagnosis and for preventative measures, where feasible. Additionally, the oncologist listed some potential reasons for sarcoma.

1. Genetic predispositions and syndromes

Some inherited disorders that raise the chance of developing sarcoma include:

Li-Fraumeni syndrome

Neurofibromatosis, type 1 (NF1)

mutation in the retinoblastoma (RB1) gene

Gardner syndrome and Werner syndrome

Mutations in tumor suppressor genes, which increase a person's risk for cancers like sarcomas, are frequently associated with these genetic syndromes.

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.

3. Exposure to certain chemicals

Long-term exposure to certain industrial chemicals, such as herbicides, dioxins, and vinyl chloride, has been linked to higher sarcoma risk, particularly angiosarcoma and soft tissue variants.

4. Chronic lymphedema

Prolonged swelling due to lymph fluid buildup (often after lymph node removal or radiation) can increase the risk of developing lymphangiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of sarcoma.

5. Viral infections

Certain viruses, like Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), are associated with Kaposi sarcoma, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS.

6. Age and gender

Some sarcomas are more common in children (e.g., Ewing sarcoma), while others affect older adults (e.g., liposarcoma). Men are slightly more likely to develop sarcoma than women. 

“While many sarcoma cases occur without clear cause, awareness of genetic risk factors, avoiding carcinogenic exposures, and regular monitoring in high-risk individuals can aid in earlier diagnosis and timely intervention,” Dr Pushpinder Gulia said.

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