Sarcomas are considered rare in children, but Miami Cancer Institute offers advanced treatment and support services to provide your child and family with healing and hope. Our pediatric cancer team works closely with you and your child’s other health care providers to create a care plan tailored for all your child’s needs, and to support you and your family throughout your child’s cancer journey. A member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Alliance, Miami Cancer Institute is committed fighting pediatric sarcomas for your child and all children.
What are pediatric sarcomas?
Sarcomas are cancers that occur in the bones, muscles or soft tissues. They can develop anywhere in the body and among children and adults of all ages.
What are the types of pediatric sarcomas?
There are many types of sarcomas. Some of the most common are:
- Ewing sarcoma - this disease most commonly affects the long bones, such as the femur or tibia in the leg, the humerus in the arm, the hip bones or the ribs. It can also extend to the muscle and soft tissue around the tumor site or even start in the soft tissues.
- Osteosarcoma - these tumors most commonly develop in the bone, near the knee and near growth plates but are possible in other locations are possible as well.
- Rhabdomyosarcoma - these tumors can occur in the muscle or tendons anywhere in the body.
- Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) - DSRCT occurs in the abdomen or pelvis and is rare but aggressive.
Other, rarer sarcomas can include fibrohystioctic tumors, liposarcoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, malignant schwannomas and more. Our pediatric cancer team is experienced in treating children with rare sarcomas, and we can draw on the resources of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance to ensure complete, appropriate treatment and support.
What are the risk factors for pediatric sarcomas?
Risk factors vary widely depending on the type of sarcoma.
What can you do to prevent pediatric sarcomas?
Because most known risk factors are not controllable, there are no recommended preventive measures. Some children with risk factors may benefit from genetic testing to determine specific risk.