Sarcoma
Sarcoma is a rare cancer that develops in the body’s connective tissues, including muscle, fat, nerves, blood vessels, cartilage, and bone. Unlike more common cancers, sarcomas are complex and require highly specialized expertise for proper treatment.
At the Cancer Center of Southern California, we provide precise diagnoses, trusted second opinions, and personalized plans backed by decades of clinical trial leadership. We deliver specialized expertise and same-week access when it matters most.
Call us at 310-552-9999 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation today.
Understanding Symptoms of Sarcoma
Sarcoma symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s location. Common signs include:
- Painless lump that grows over time
- Swelling or pain in bones or joints
- Reduced range of motion in the affected area
- Persistent abdominal pain or fullness (with retroperitoneal sarcomas)
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
Diagnosis of Sarcoma
We prioritize fast access to testing and expert review. The diagnostic process for sarcomas may include:
- High-resolution imaging (MRI, CT, PET scans) to locate and stage the tumor
- Biopsy & pathology reviewed by sarcoma experts
At our center, patients are often seen within a week, ensuring you receive answers quickly and can move forward with a clear, individualized treatment plan.
Seek a Second Opinion
Seeking a second opinion is especially important when treatment decisions can be life-changing. Many patients come to us after being told they have limited or no options, only to discover new paths forward.
A second opinion with our team can change the course of care by:
- Confirming your diagnosis and tumor type
- Reviewing tumor staging and prognosis
- Exploring novel therapies and clinical trial eligibility
- Discussing approaches that improve both survival rate and quality of life
How We Build Your Treatment Plan
Under the leadership of Dr. Sant P. Chawla, we design treatment plans that are personalized to each patient’s diagnosis, medical history, and goals of care.
Guided by Dr. Chawla, a global leader in sarcoma research, our team brings decades of clinical trial experience directly into patient care.
Our team collaborates with pathologists, radiologists, and surgeons, working together to design the most effective treatment strategy.
We combine proven therapies with clinical trials, single-subject INDs, and off-label drug use, offering access to treatments not available elsewhere.
Cancer Research Leadership
Our founder, Dr. Chawla, is one of the world’s leading sarcoma specialists. Trained at MD Anderson and a former leader of the cancer program at Cedars-Sinai, Dr. Chawla has spent over 30 years advancing sarcoma treatment.
- Led pivotal clinical trials that helped bring breakthrough drugs like Carboplatin and Trabectedin (Yondelis) into practice.
- Contributed to studies that introduced Zofran, a widely used therapy for chemotherapy-induced nausea.
- Recognized nationwide for pioneering approaches that changed the standard of care in sarcoma oncology.
Today, our center is a top enroller in sarcoma clinical trials. We continue to lead cancer research, ensuring you have access to the most promising therapies years before they become widely available.
Types of Sarcoma We Treat
Sarcoma treatment often requires specialized expertise and focused attention. Through our sister practice, the Sarcoma Oncology Center, we provide care for the full spectrum of sarcoma subtypes, from the most common to the rarest and most complex forms:
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, angiosarcoma, fibrosarcoma
- Bone Sarcomas: Osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, chondrosarcoma
With decades of leadership in clinical trials and patient care, our team at the Sarcoma Oncology Center is internationally recognized for advancing sarcoma treatment and improving outcomes.
Access Groundbreaking Clinical Trials
Our center actively leads both investigator-initiated and pharmaceutical-sponsored trials, giving you access to promising new therapies not widely available.
We also provide:
- Clinical trial enrollment for HMO and Kaiser patients
- Support with insurance navigation and sponsor support
- Travel and lodging assistance for clinical trial participants
- Compassionate use INDs (single-patient access)
Treatment Options for Sarcoma
Our sarcoma treatment plan is individualized, based on tumor type, stage, and patient needs. Options may include:
Uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells, often combined with supportive care to reduce side effects.
Delivers precise, high-energy beams to shrink or control tumors while protecting nearby healthy tissue.
Removal of the tumor, coordinated with leading surgical teams to achieve the best possible margins and outcomes.
Sarcoma Treatment in Southern California
At the Cancer Center of Southern California, we specialize in treating sarcoma with speed and expertise. Patients are often seen within a week, gaining access to advanced therapies, clinical trials, and personalized care when it matters most.
For appointments, please call us at 310-552-9999 or request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in connective tissues. Since they behave differently from more common cancers, they require specialized expertise for diagnosis and treatment.
Some sarcomas can be cured, particularly when detected early and surgically removed. Advanced cases are often managed with a combination of therapies and clinical trials.
If you have a suspicious lump, persistent swelling, or a confirmed sarcoma diagnosis, it’s important to seek care at a dedicated sarcoma center right away.
We treat all subtypes, including soft tissue sarcomas (liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma), bone sarcomas (osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, chondrosarcoma), GIST, and rare sarcomas.
Many treatments and clinical trials are covered by insurance. Our team also works with pharmaceutical companies to provide sponsored programs and helps patients access financial support when needed.
