Epithelioid sarcoma

Diagnosis

It may be hard to diagnose epithelioid sarcoma because its signs and symptoms mimic other diseases.

The following tests may be done to diagnose epithelioid sarcoma: 

• Imaging.  Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is commonly done for a more detailed images that it can detect. Furthermore, other tests may include Computed Tomography (CT) Scan or Positron Emission Tomography (PET). 
• Biopsy. A sample of the tissue that is most likely a sarcoma is extracted using a thin needle or by obtaining a sample during a surgery. The sample is then sent to the laboratory to test for cancer, its type or how aggressive the condition is.

Treatment

Epithelioid sarcoma is usually treated with surgery to remove the cancer and some tissue surrounding. In some cases, radiation therapy or chemotherapy will be used to shrink the tumor to avoid amputation.

• Surgery. Surgery is performed to remove the sarcoma and some parts of healthy tissues around it. However, in rare cases, if the size, depth and location of the cancer is unmanageable, the extremity affected has a possibility to be amputated. 
• Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy utilizes a powerful beam of energy through X–rays and protons to destroy cancer cells. It may also be used before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor or after surgery to avoid its recurrence.
• Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy administers medications to destroy cancer. It may be used with the surgery if the cancer has already metastasized.