Lack of training means that sarcomas are diagnosed late.
Raquel GRACIA-RODRÍGUEZ and Raisa ALVAREZ-PANIAGUA
Sarcomas are tumors that represent 1% of all malignant neoplasms in adults. Despite well-defined referral guidelines, the diagnosis of sarcoma is often delayed, due to the rarity of the disease and inconspicuous presentation, as well as other patient- and physician-dependent factors.A 58-year-old male patient underwent minor surgery for a fibroid (2017) on the anterior aspect of the left thigh. Investigating the patient's medical history, the pathological anatomy of the removed piece is not found. In 2018, the patient came again because the fibroid had reappeared, being painful on palpation and presenting a purplish color suggestive of a keloid. It is treated with topical treatment without improvement. He consulted again a year later, 2019, for the same symptoms. Physical examination: tumor of about 2 cm in the left thigh Evolution: Due to the persistence of the symptoms and the slow growth of the lesion, the patient was referred to the surgery service for evaluation. During the consultation, he suggests that it is a sebaceous cyst, but it was removed in 2020 and the lesion was sent for analysis. The pathological study describes a leiomyosarcoma measuring approximately 7 cm that affects the resection edges.- Limited knowledge of the subject – The rarity of the disease.In Spain, there are no specific guidelines for these tumors, although there are general guidelines for tumorous lesions. By reviewing these clinical cases, we are conducting a doctoral thesis on the knowledge of family doctors about these tumors in order to develop training courses, protocols, and specific units for these types of tumors.Sarcoma must be managed by qualified professionals who achieve early diagnosis and treatment and are referred to expert reference centers. This management has a considerable time-dependent impact on the prognoses of these patients.For many years, cancer care has focused primarily on improving survival rates. Now, there is increasing emphasis on prevention, early diagnosis, long-term survivor care, and end-of-life care. Because of this, primary care is poised to play a crucial role due to its capacity to provide comprehensive, person-centered, longitudinal, and accessible care.
