Sarcoma

Program Overview. At The Lacks Cancer Center at Saint Mary’s Health Care our cancer treatment programs are increasing hope everyday, thanks to a unique multidisciplinary model of care, which incorporates a staff of progressive physicians, and the most innovative technologies available. In addition to this model, we continually review and apply the latest anti-cancer drugs, the newest staging and imaging techniques—such as PET scan technology, and the most effective surgical procedures to ensure the best outcomes in the treatment of sarcoma.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma Overview. Soft tissue sarcomas are painless masses that occur in less than 10,000 patients in the U.S. per year. These cancers develop in the soft tissues of various parts of the body, with over 50% arising in the extremities or trunk, and over 30% in the posterior portion of the abdomen (retroperitoneum)—a disease also known as retroperitoneal sarcoma. Visceral sarcomas are those, which develop from intraabdominal organs—most commonly the stomach or small bowel—but can occasionally occur in the esophagus or rectum. These sarcomas present a variety of symptoms including difficulty eating, weight loss, abdominal or chest pain, gastrointestinal bleeding or abdominal masses.

Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Overview. These sarcomas occur in the space between the abdomen and the back, which houses a portion of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, colon, rectum, ureter, and the major arteries and veins going to and from the heart the abdomen and lower extremities. Sarcomas are the most common tumors arising in this region, and because of their close proximity to so many vital organs and tissues, they are quite difficult to treat.

Become part of our Multidisciplinary Model of Care through a referral from your primary care physician or with a self-referral by calling 1-877-LACKS-MI or 616-685-LACK(S).