While the word cancer is all too familiar to many of our families and us, other terms like carcinoma and sarcoma may not be in our everyday vocabulary.
Dr. Trevan Fischer, a board-certified general surgical oncologist with private practices in Los Angeles, Fullerton, and Orange, California, not only treats cancer and other conditions but also educates patients about their conditions and care options.
Whether it's skin or breast cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, or another problem requiring surgery, he uses cutting-edge techniques to ensure procedures are as successful and minimally invasive as possible.
In addition, Dr Fischer strives to advance the field by working on clinical trials and training surgical oncology fellows at Cedars-Sinai affiliate The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute.
Carcinoma and sarcoma are two of the five main types of cancer, along with lymphoma, myeloma, and leukemia. Many of these names sound similar because the ending "-oma" means tumor.
However, it's important to note that not all tumors or conditions that end in -oma are malignant or cancerous. Examples of benign tumors include adenoma, fibroma, and angioma.
Carcinoma is the most common type of cancer and affects about 80% of those diagnosed with the disease. It grows in the epithelial cells that are located around the skin, organs, and glands.
Examples include cancers of the breast, stomach, colon, lung, pancreas, and prostate, as well as the skin cancers basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Genetics and other factors can increase the odds of carcinoma. Exposure to excessive UV light from the sun or tanning beds, radiation, or harmful toxins can raise the risk, as can lifestyle factors like drinking alcohol and using tobacco.
A Body Mass Index above 30 can also contribute to these types of cancer.
Unlike carcinoma, sarcoma is relatively rare, accounting for just 1% of cancer diagnoses in adults and 15% in children. This type of cancer develops in the mesenchymal cells of the bones and soft tissues, such as muscle, blood vessels, fat, and others.
There are 70 types of sarcoma, and they often begin in the legs, feet, shoulders, arms, and hands, as well as the abdomen and neck.
Some sarcoma risk factors are similar to those of carcinoma, including exposure to radiation and certain chemicals. The health condition lymphedema and some genetic conditions can also raise the odds.
Unlike carcinoma, sarcoma has not been linked with sun exposure or smoking.
Regardless of the type of cancer, getting a timely diagnosis and treatment plan in place is crucial for the least invasive procedure and the best possible outcome. Dr. Fischer can help. Click to book an appointment or call the office today at 310-807-2688.
