Soft Tissue Masses: Diagnosis and Surgery for Benign and Cancerous Tumors (Sarcoma)
Last updated Friday, January 18, 2008
CopingStrategies for coping A
sarcoma’s ability to go undetected in the body is troublesome, even after the
growth is discovered. Initially, the patient might struggle with not knowing
whether a soft tissue tumor is cancerous or benign. After surgery, a patient
might feel emotionally exhausted from worry about whether to anticipate
recurrence of such a tumor.
A patient
might take comfort in knowing that three of every four soft tissue masses
discovered are benign. Nevertheless, a majority of patients express fear and
anxiety with the recognition of such masses.
Patients
who experience great anxiety in learning of a cancerous tumor, or learning of a
benign tumor in a dangerous location in the body, might seek help from family,
friends, a mental health professional, a hospital’s pastoral care group, or
through nontraditional therapies such as reiki.Asking for help Cancer
patients and their families should learn as much as they can about the disease.
Sometimes talking with a family member or friend can provide much needed
emotional support. Working with a counselor, psychologist, or social worker
helps some people with cancer to develop better coping skills.
Support
groups have been a source of help for thousands of cancer patients.
Sarcoma Alliance, Sarcoma Foundation of America, and Northwest Sarcoma Foundation are a few of
the several organizations that offer support networks for patients coping with
cancerous soft tissue masses.Work Most
people with a soft-tissue tumor can continue to work. Doctors and work
supervisors should be able to help people make any needed changes to relieve discomfort.
This could include adjusting a work area or reducing the amount of time spent doing
particular tasks. An occupation therapist can help find ways to modify activities
or suggest tool modifications.Family and friends
Children
may feel angry, sad or self-conscious about having a tumor. Acceptance and
settling into a routine will benefit everyone in the family.
When
parents are first told that their child has cancer, for example, they might
feel shocked, numbed, or disbelieving. They might also feel guilty, and ask
themselves if something they did or didn't do caused their child's condition.
The child
with a tumor may feel "hurt" by an illness that isn't their fault,
blame parents for the illness, adopt a "why me?" attitude, engage in
self-pity or become angry. They may resent other children who are well,
including brothers and sisters.
Other
children might feel left out and resentful because of the amount of time and
attention the child with cancer requires. Or they may feel guilty, as if their
normal "bad thoughts" towards their brother or sister had somehow
caused the illness.
Children might
over-identify with the brother or sister with special needs. Some feel a
pressure to achieve or make up for what their brother or sister can no longer
do. Others want to involve themselves in care-giving – to the point where they
give up their own normal activities. In these cases, try to help siblings find
other ways to deal with their feelings. Whenever possible, brothers and sisters
should be allowed to settle their own differences. Siblings should be
encouraged to talk with peers who live in homes with similar concerns. The key
to dealing with all these emotions is to talk about them with one another.
Children
should be encouraged to learn as much as they can about cancer and their
treatment program. Older children can be responsible for taking medications on
time, reporting any medication side effects to you, and following an exercise
program. This may help prepare them for the change to adult health-care.
Children
with cancer should not be overprotected. They might become too dependent if
their parents do everything for them or if the parents keep them from tasks
they are capable of doing. Parents should not be manipulated into allowing
activities that shouldn't be done, but should compromise when possible.
Consistency will help children learn what is expected.
Parents
should plan special time to spend alone with their spouse, or with the entire
family. When their child first becomes ill, they may set aside relationships
with other family members. It is important, however, to continue to talk and
spend time with all family members.Adaptive aids Patients
for whom safe removal of sarcoma (cancerous growth) left them less mobile might
find aid in crutches, braces, a cane, or a walker – or if a leg was amputated,
in prostheses. A wheelchair may be necessary short-term if walking ability has
been affected or for elderly patients who have difficulty walking. Wheelchairs
may be required by some people. Special reaching devices are available to ensure
that patients can reach whatever they need.Stress Support
from family, friends, or a support group often helps patients cope with stress
related to a soft tissue tumor. Sarcoma (cancerous growth) patients often find
it helpful to speak to other individuals who have been through treatment for
this rare diagnosis. Sarcoma
Alliance, Sarcoma Foundation of
America, and Northwest Sarcoma
Foundation are among the organizations that can put patients in touch with
other sarcoma survivors.Resources
Cancer Lifeline in Seattle
The
Sarcoma Alliance
The
Northwest Sarcoma Foundation
The
Sarcoma Foundation of America Surgery for masses at the University of Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4288 (outside the Seattle area: 800-440-3280) to make an appointment.
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