What is Pulmonary Myxoid Sarcoma with EWSR1-CREB1 Translocation?
Pulmonary myxoid sarcoma is a very rare type of cancer that starts in the lungs. The word “myxoid” means that the tumour looks jelly-like when seen under a microscope, and “sarcoma” means that it grows from the body’s connective tissues.
In this case, the tumour has a special change in its genes, called the EWSR1-CREB1 translocation. This genetic change helps doctors confirm the diagnosis.
Symptoms
This cancer can affect adults of different ages, and in many cases, it is found in younger or middle-aged individuals. Since the tumour grows in the lungs, the symptoms are mostly related to breathing. At first, a person may feel shortness of breath, especially during activity.
Later on, they may notice a cough that does not go away. Sometimes this cough may bring up blood, which can be frightening. Chest pain or a feeling of heaviness in the chest can also occur. In some patients, there may be tiredness, loss of appetite, and gradual weight loss. Because the tumour usually grows slowly, symptoms may not appear suddenly but rather develop gradually over weeks or months.
Diagnosis
To diagnose this cancer, doctors usually start with imaging tests such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, which shows a suspicious mass in the lung. However, the exact diagnosis requires a biopsy, where a piece of the tumour is removed and studied under the microscope. Special genetic tests are then performed, and when the EWSR1-CREB1 translocation is found, it confirms that the tumour is a pulmonary myxoid sarcoma.
Treatment
Treatment often involves surgery to remove the tumour if it is possible and safe to do so. Because the tumour is rare, there is no single standard treatment, but doctors may also use radiation therapy or chemotherapy in certain cases to control its growth.
Prognosis
The outlook for this cancer depends on how big the tumour is, whether it has spread, and how much of it can be removed through surgery. In many cases, it grows slowly and patients can live for several years with proper treatment and follow-up. However, since it is a rare cancer, research is still ongoing to find better ways of treatment.
In simple words, pulmonary myxoid sarcoma is a rare lung cancer that grows slowly and can cause breathing problems, cough, and chest pain. With careful diagnosis and treatment, it can often be managed, though regular checkups remain important to keep the disease under control.
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