July is Sarcoma Awareness Month so it’s a great time for seniors and their families to learn more about sarcoma. Sarcomas are soft tumors of the bones, connective tissue, tendons, joints, and other places in the body. Often sarcomas first appear in the bones. They can cause a lot of problems for seniors, but if they are caught early they may be treatable. It’s important for senior seniors to pay attention to any lumps or bumps that form on their bodies. Seniors who have personal care at home may have an easier time spotting sarcomas when they first appear. That’s because personal care at home helps seniors with things like getting dressed and showering. The person helping seniors with those tasks will be able to notice any changes to a senior’s body and any lumps that could be sarcomas. Some things that seniors and their families should know about sarcomas are:
There Are More Than 70 Types Of Sarcoma
Because there are more than 70 different types of sarcoma, if your senior parent develops a lump or has any of the other symptoms of sarcoma it’s important to get it checked out right away. If there is a noticeable lump in one place there could be others that can’t be seen. The doctor will likely recommend a round of imaging and other tests to see if your senior parent has more than one type of sarcoma before developing a treatment plan.
The Symptoms May Not Include A Lump
A lump is the most obvious symptom of sarcoma but it’s not the only symptom. A bone that breaks with no apparent cause like a fall can be a symptom of sarcoma. Bone pain, abdominal pain, and unexpected weight loss can also all be symptoms of sarcoma. Anytime a senior parent has bone pain or starts complaining about a sharp pain like broken pain don’t wait to get them checked out by a doctor.
The Treatment For Sarcoma Varies
There are a lot of options for treating sarcomas including surgery, ablation, radiation, and chemotherapy. The treatment that will work the best often depends on what type the sarcoma is and where it’s located. That’s why it’s important to get imaging like MRIs or CAT scans done right away after discovering a sarcoma. Then the doctor can come up with a treatment plan and start treatment immediately.
They Spread Quickly
Time is of the essence when it comes to sarcoma treatment. Sarcomas are known to spread extremely quickly, and because they can spread throughout the body it can be very difficult to treat them if they spread fast. Seniors should never put off going to the doctor if they experience any of the symptoms of sarcoma. If your senior parent, their care provider, or you see a lump or feel a lump under the skin that shouldn’t be there, don’t wait to get seen by a doctor. Early detection is the best way to fight sarcoma.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring personal care at home in Pleasant Hill, CA contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today. Call (866)-940-4855
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