Experts shed light on rare form of cancer

KOCHI: It is a rare disease, but something people should be on the watch out for. Musculoskeletal sarcomas or cancer has happened to six out of one lakh people, but 250-odd specialist doctors around the world are focusing on the disease out of which 20 are in India while four belong to our state.

Dr Reinhard Windhager, president, International Society of Limb Salvage and professor and chair, department of orthopaedic surgery, Medical University of Vienna and Prof Ajay Puri, president of Indian Musculo Skeletal Oncology Society (IMSOS), are heading the world and Indian organisations of orthopedics specialised in this branch.

Both are of the opinion that even doctors are hardly aware of this disease and its detection. It affects bones, joints and soft tissues. “For best results in care, there needs collaborative work between the surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation specialist, pathologist and radiologist,” says Dr Windhager.

“If there is a swelling in muscles or joints and does not produce pain, don’t ignore it. But pain during night to muscles and joints too is another indication. Consult a specialist orthopedic to rule out musculoskeletal sarcoma. Early detection is important in this cancer also. If that is made, amputation can be avoided as limb saving surgery is available. We are focusing on education, collaboration and innovation in this regard,” says Prof Puri.

“You can lead a normal life after the treatment, but it is important to meet a specialist. Your best chance is the first chance,” adds Dr Windhager.

The conference also organised an event, Shore of Hope, where patients and their families freely interacted with doctors and other experts from across the country. Lawmakers Innocent and Prof K. V. Thomas led the session.