Many people wonder about the difference between sarcoma and carcinoma. Cancer is one of the most worrisome diseases around the world and its types are many, and they differ according to origin, symptoms, and treatment methods. Among these types are sarcoma and carcinoma, which are two words that may seem similar, but in reality they reflect two different types of tumors, each of which has distinct characteristics that require precise understanding. In the following lines, we will learn with Al Mousa Specialist Hospital the difference between sarcoma and carcinoma in detail. Read on for more.

What are sarcoma and carcinoma?

Sarcoma and carcinoma are two different types of cancer, each of which differs in its place of origin and the nature of the affected cells. Both types require an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan that depends on the type of cells, the degree of spread, and the patient’s health condition.

Sarcoma

It is a rare type of cancer that originates in connective tissues such as bones, muscles, fat, blood vessels, or tendons. It often affects the extremities or abdomen, and is more common in young people and young people.

Carcinoma

It is the most common type of cancer, and it originates in the epithelial cells that line the skin or internal organs such as the lung, liver, breast, and colon. Carcinoma usually spreads faster than sarcoma.

What is the difference between sarcoma and carcinoma?

The difference between sarcoma and carcinoma lies in the type of tissue from which each type of cancer arises, and the way it spreads and is distributed in the body. Each of the two types requires an accurate diagnosis and an integrated treatment plan that includes surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, depending on the case. The difference comes as follows:

Sarcoma and carcinoma are two types of cancer that differ in their place of origin and cell behavior.

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Causes of sarcoma and carcinoma 

Speaking of the difference between sarcoma and carcinoma, the causes of sarcoma and carcinoma differ depending on the nature of each type, but they share some factors that increase the risk of cancer in general. The causes of each are as follows:

Causes of sarcoma

The causes of sarcoma are the following:

• Changes in DNA affect cell growth in connective tissue.
• Having a family history of some genetic syndromes such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
• Exposure to radiation due to previous treatment may lead to the development of sarcoma years later.
• Exposure to chemicals such as industrial materials or pesticides.
• Chronic tissue injuries may increase the likelihood of developing sarcoma in some rare cases.

Causes of carcinoma

As for the causes of carcinoma, they are as follows:

• Smoking is a major cause of carcinoma, especially in the lung and mouth.
• Environmental factors such as exposure to chemical pollutants and polluted air.
• Viral infection: Some viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis virus, may contribute to the development of carcinoma.
• Unhealthy lifestyle such as obesity, malnutrition and inactivity.
• Hormonal factors such as increased estrogen may increase the risk of breast and uterine cancer.

Symptoms of sarcoma and carcinoma 

After we learned the difference between sarcoma and carcinoma, knowing the symptoms of sarcoma and carcinoma is an important step in early detection of these types of cancer, which increases the chances of treatment and recovery.

Sarcoma symptoms

Symptoms of sarcoma vary depending on its type and location in the body, but they often appear in the form of painless lumps or tumors in the early stages, which sometimes makes detection difficult, and as the condition progresses, symptoms begin to appear more clearly.

Common symptoms of sarcoma

• The presence of a painless mass or tumor under the skin, especially in the arm, leg, or abdomen.
• Local pain if the tumor presses on nerves, muscles or joints.
• Swelling or swelling in the affected area.
• Difficulty or limitation of movement in the joint if the sarcoma is close to the joints.
• Respiratory problems if the sarcoma is in the chest.
• Bone pain or unexplained fractures if it is osteosarcoma.
• Unexplained weight loss or general fatigue in advanced cases.

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As for the symptoms of sarcoma, they vary according to its different types and the possible sites in which the tumor arises, as sarcoma includes a group of tumors that differ in their behavior as well as their effect on the body, and they come as follows:

Myosarcoma

• A solid tumor in tissue such as muscle or fat.
• Feeling of heaviness or pressure in the affected area.
• Change in the shape of the affected limb or organ.
• Pain that may gradually increase as the tumor grows.

Osteosarcoma

• Severe pain in the affected bone, especially at night or when active.
• Visible swelling in the affected area.
• Frequent or unexplained fractures due to weak bones.
• Difficulty using a limb or walking if it is in the legs.

Sarcoma that affects internal organs

• Abdominal pain or bloating.
• Feeling full quickly and when eating.
• Abnormal bleeding, especially in cases of uterine sarcoma.
• Disorders in the digestive or urinary system, depending on the location of the tumor.

Sarcoma of the thoracic cavity or lungs

• shortness of breath.
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• Persistent cough or blood appearing with coughing in advanced cases.

Carcinoma symptoms

The symptoms of carcinoma vary depending on the affected organ, because they arise in the epithelial cells that cover the skin or those that line the internal organs, but there are general symptoms and others related to the location of the tumor, the most prominent of which are the following:

1. General symptoms of carcinoma

• Unexplained weight loss.
• Constant exhaustion and fatigue.
• Anorexia.
• Frequent high temperature.
• Pain in certain areas of the body.

2. Symptoms according to the location of the carcinoma

• In the case of lung carcinoma, the person suffers from a chronic cough, shortness of breath, wheezing in the chest, and blood in the sputum.
• When suffering from liver carcinoma, the symptoms include pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, yellowing of the skin and eyes, known as jaundice, and swelling of the abdomen.
• Colon carcinoma causes the individual to suffer from a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, and recurrent cramps.
• Signs of skin carcinoma, such as basal or squamous cell carcinoma, are a spot or sore that does not heal, and a change in the shape or color of the mole.
• Breast carcinoma causes an individual to suffer from a lump in the breast, a change in the skin or nipple, and abnormal secretions.

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How to prevent sarcoma and carcinoma 

Despite the difference between sarcoma and carcinoma, preventing them depends on reducing risk factors and following a healthy lifestyle in your life, regardless of the fact that some of the causes may be out of control, such as genetic factors, but it should be noted that the following preventive measures may help reduce the chances of infection, and they come as follows:

1. Sarcoma prevention

To prevent sarcoma, there are some points that must be followed for protection, which are as follows:

• Avoid exposure to unnecessary radiation, especially in cases of previous radiation therapy.
• Stay away from exposure to industrial chemicals, such as herbicides or materials used in factories.
• Periodic follow-up of people who have a family history of some genetic syndromes associated with sarcoma.
• Correctly dealing with chronic injuries and not neglecting bruises or strange lumps.

2. Prevention of carcinoma

• Stop smoking and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Follow a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and fiber, and reduce the intake of processed and fatty foods.
• Exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid obesity.
• Protect from harmful sunlight by using sunscreen and avoiding prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays.
• Vaccination against cancer-causing viruses such as human papillomavirus and hepatitis.
• Regular examination for early detection, especially when there is a family history of cancer.

Frequently asked questions 

What is the difference between cancer and sarcoma?

Sarcoma is a type of cancerous disease, and it originates in connective tissues, but cancer is a general term that includes all malignant tumors, so it can be said that every sarcoma is cancer, but not every cancer is a sarcoma.

Does sarcoma spread quickly?

Some types of sarcoma spread quickly, especially through the blood, but others are slow-growing, so early diagnosis and continuous medical follow-up are important in controlling the spread of sarcoma.

If you are suffering from any of the symptoms that we previously mentioned to you, you should not hesitate to book your appointment at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital to diagnose the problem, learn about the difference between sarcoma and carcinoma, and determine the appropriate treatment according to your condition with a group of the best doctors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Do not hesitate and ensure early diagnosis for treatment and recovery as quickly as possible.

المصادر:

What’s the difference? Carcinoma vs. sarcoma – cancercenter

Carcinoma vs. Sarcoma: What’s the Difference? – clevelandclinic