Tumors are when some of the body's cells grow out of control. Bone and muscle tumors — often sarcomas — start in the body's connective tissues. These include the bones, muscles, fat, blood vessels and other soft tissues that support and protect the body.

Some sarcomas grow slowly and stay in one place. These are benign or noncancerous. Others can grow quickly and spread to other body parts, such as the lungs or nearby bones. These tumors are cancerous.

The type of tumor, where it starts and how it behaves will help your child's care team decide on the best treatment plan. These tumors are rare, even more so in kids. Getting care from a team of experts in pediatric sarcoma care is key.

Our team cares for the most bone and soft tissue tumors.

Some of these include:

• Ewing sarcoma: A rare cancer that starts in the bones or soft tissue, often in teenagers. It usually appears in the legs, arms, chest or pelvis. It may cause pain, swelling or a lump.
• Osteosarcoma (osteogenic sarcoma): The most common bone cancer in kids and teens. It often grows in the long bones like the thigh or upper arm. It can cause pain, swelling or trouble moving a limb.
• Rhabdomyosarcoma: A cancer that grows in muscles or soft tissues. It's more common in young kids, but can happen at any age. It may cause a painless lump, which may be in the head, neck, abdomen, arms or legs
• Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC): A noncancerous bone growth filled with fluid or blood. It can cause swelling, pain or fractures. It usually affects kids and teens.

The types of care your child will get for a sarcoma depend on many factors.

These often include:

• Your child's age
• Their general health
• Any relevant medical history
• Their specific diagnosis
• Their tolerance for treatment

Some of the cancer care we use for sarcomas are:

• Chemotherapy: Used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Commonly used for Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Often before and after surgery.
• Surgery: The surgeon cuts out the tumor and some nearby tissue. Often a key part of sarcoma care. Sometimes, we can't take the tumor out safely. If we need to remove a limb, we'll fit your child with a prosthetic.
• Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy beams to shrink or kill cancer cells. It is used when surgery isn't possible and also to prevent cancer from coming back. Common for Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma.
• Bone marrow transplant: An aggressive option that replaces your child's bone marrow with that from a donor. Sometimes used for sarcoma if the cancer comes back or is very aggressive.

Kids with a bone or muscle tumor often have complex needs beyond treating their tumor. They may have symptoms or side effects that need care. Our team of experts will help you manage these health issues.

Your child may need other medicines, including:

• Antibiotics: To prevent or treat infections
• Supportive care: Pain and anti-nausea medicines

At the MACC Fund Center, we treat sarcomas in our musculoskeletal oncology program, a part of the solid tumor oncology program.

Our team includes pediatric cancer experts focused on sarcoma treatment. We provide complete care at each step, starting with the initial diagnosis and even through relapse. We regularly care for more uncommon sarcoma diagnoses.

We work closely with pediatric experts like:

• Orthopedic oncology surgeons
• Radiation oncologists
• Pediatric Interventional Radiologists

During Diagnosis

To us, each patient is a person. We create care plans tailored to your child — from initial surgery, other treatments and follow-up and recovery. The entire team has weekly meetings to ensure we are all up to date on your child's needs. We can also help you learn about and enroll in sarcoma clinical trials.

When needed, we evaluate the cancer cells with genetic and molecular testing. This includes a visit to the COMPASS clinic. You’ll learn about the molecular changes in your child's tumor.

The COMPASS team will review suggestions for adding a targeted treatment to your child’s care plan. Often, we can arrange for your child's main oncology team to deliver the treatment.

Based on the types of care they need, some kids access our Fertility Navigation Program. This is a way to discuss their options for having kids in the future.

In the Hospital

Prompt care and sometimes aggressive treatments are key to the best outcomes for sarcomas. If your child needs to be in the hospital, our care teams create a welcoming, familiar, healing environment. You'll meet daily with our medical teams to get a status update. They'll check that you and your family are comfortable.

Our expert nurses check in with you and your child throughout the day to ensure you have everything you need. To make your time with us as comfortable as possible, we have a:

• Family lounge
• Fully stocked kitchen
• Laundry facilities
• Young child playroom
• Teen center

After Treatment

Our team is here for your family after your child finishes their cancer care. Continuous follow-up care is essential for kids with sarcomas. They may have side effects that come on later, or other cancers that grow.

You can contact your care team or the musculoskeletal oncology program. We can answer questions about long-term care, future screenings and maintenance. You'll also have continued access to counseling, support groups and other resources.

Kids recovering from a sarcoma may need rehabilitation services. This may include physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Young adults who are currently receiving or have received cancer treatment can get support through our young adult oncology group. The group meets monthly to help young adults (18-39) with cancer or recovering from it to share experiences and plan activities. 

After treatment, you'll enter the bridge to next steps program. This program helps you and your child transition into post-therapy care. The program consists of two visits. You will meet with a survivorship provider and a psychologist. They'll provide education, a summary of care and support.

Sometime after two years after your child completes treatment, they can enter the Next Steps Clinic. This long-term follow-up program cares for cancer survivors. Our care team monitors for recurrence, manages late effects and promotes overall well-being.