Sarcoma Treatment
Effective sarcoma treatment involves several important stages, including preoperative preparation, surgery, and rehabilitation.
Preoperative Preparation for Sarcoma Removal
To confirm the diagnosis and determine a treatment plan, a comprehensive diagnosis is required, starting with a consultation with a general practitioner. If malignancy is suspected, the patient is referred to an oncologist for additional tests, such as:
- Blood and urine analysis
- Blood tests for tumor markers
- Ultrasound of the mediastinum, abdominal and pelvic regions
- Biopsy
- CT scan or MRI
Before surgery, doctors at the Helyos Clinic conduct functional tests of organs using:
- ECG
- Chest X-ray
- Coagulogram (blood clotting test)
- Blood pressure and pulse monitoring
- Consultations with related specialists, if needed
Surgical Procedure
The specifics of sarcoma surgery depend on the type, location, size of the tumor, and the presence of metastases. The main goal is the complete removal of the malignant tumor. At stage 2 and beyond, preventive removal of regional lymph nodes is also carried out due to the high likelihood of metastasis. The surgery typically includes the following stages:
- Administration of anesthesia
- Making incisions
- Removal of the malignant tumor, lymph nodes, and metastases
- Suturing
- Completion of the procedure
Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation period depends on the surgery’s complexity, complications, and the patient's overall health. Patients typically stay in the clinic for 2–5 days under medical supervision. Afterward, they receive discharge instructions for home recovery. The rehabilitation period lasts from 2 to 6 months, and patients must follow these recommendations:
- Limit physical activity
- Follow a prescribed diet
- Do therapeutic exercises
- Avoid harmful habits
- Take prescribed medications
- Regularly visit their doctor
To prevent recurrence, chemotherapy may be prescribed during rehabilitation.