A doctor tells us about the 3 types of rare cancers that can affect young people

Sarcoma

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Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that arises in the bone and soft tissue, which includes fat, muscles, blood vessels, nerves and fibrous tissue. It can develop on any part of the body though they are most commonly seen in the arms and legs. ​Given the limited risk factors, it is difficult to prevent sarcomas.

Soft tissue sarcomas are a group of rare cancers that affect the soft tissues of the body and can be superficial or deep in a cavity (like in the abdomen or thorax). The superficial tumours usually appear as lumps and they are typically painless, but the deep tumours may grow to large sizes before they are picked up.

Another rare type of sarcoma that is dematofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), a type of skin cancer that begins in connective tissue cells in the middle layer of the skin. Then there's gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) , the most common sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract and that can occur in places like the stomach, small intestines and rectum.

There is no screening test available so it is advisable for patients with new lumps, or lumps that are increasing in size, to seek medical attention early.

Peritoneal disease

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The peritoneum is a thin membrane that lines the abdominal and pelvic cavities and that covers the external surface of most of the abdominal organs. Peritoneal surface malignancy refers to a wide variety of cancers that involve the peritoneum but it may also involve other abdominal organs such as the spleen, large and small intestines, stomach, the liver and the pelvic organs.

The tumours may arise from the lining itself or may spread to the lining from other organs. The common cancers that we see that spread to the peritoneum are colon, appendix, ovaries and stomach, but others include the hepatobiliary, breast and lung.

Melanoma

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Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from the pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. Some of the skin cancers include melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and extramammary paget’s disease. Melanomas typically occur in the skin but rarely occur in the mouth, intestines or eye. It is more dangerous because of its ability to grow quickly and spread to other organs more rapidly if not treated at an early stage.

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