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From weekend runs and pickleball games to gym sessions and hiking trips, muscle aches and occasional strains are familiar to people who lead active lifestyles. However, persistent pain, particularly when it worsens at night or occurs even during rest, should not automatically be dismissed as a sports injury, according to a cancer specialist from Singapore-based Parkway Cancer Centre (PCC).
While most exercise-related aches are harmless, persistent or unexplained symptoms may sometimes indicate a more serious condition, including sarcoma, a rare cancer that develops in the bones or soft tissues, such as muscles, fat, and blood vessels.
“People who lead active lifestyles tend to know their bodies well, but that familiarity can sometimes lead them to underestimate unusual symptoms. What matters is recognizing when discomfort no longer follows the usual pattern of recovery,” said Dr. Richard Quek, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology at Parkway Cancer Centre. “Seeking medical advice early can help identify the underlying cause and determine the appropriate next steps.”
Why it’s easy to miss
Sarcoma can affect people of any age, although certain subtypes are more frequently diagnosed among specific age groups. Osteosarcoma and Ewing Sarcoma, for instance, are more common among children and young adolescents, while other types of sarcoma are more frequently diagnosed in adults.
Because physically active individuals often associate discomfort with exercise, early symptoms may be mistaken for ordinary injuries, potentially delaying diagnosis.
Warning signs vary depending on where the cancer develops. Bone sarcomas may cause persistent or worsening pain, sometimes becoming more noticeable at night. Soft tissue sarcomas, meanwhile, may appear as a growing lump or unexplained swelling that is not necessarily painful.
Individuals are encouraged to seek medical assessment when pain persists despite rest, worsens without an apparent cause, or is accompanied by unexplained swelling or a growing lump.
Although these symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer, timely evaluation can help identify their underlying cause. Depending on the findings, doctors may recommend imaging tests and, where appropriate, a biopsy to establish an accurate diagnosis.
Advances in sarcoma care offer hope
With more than 70 recognised subtypes, sarcoma treatment is highly individualised. At PCC, multidisciplinary teams comprising medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists develop treatment plans based on each patient’s diagnosis and condition.
Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches. Certain subtypes, including Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, are particularly responsive to chemotherapy, highlighting the importance of tailoring treatment to each patient’s condition.
Advances in surgical techniques have made limb preservation possible for selected patients with bone cancer, helping maintain mobility and function. Meanwhile, technologies such as proton therapy allow more precise radiation targeting while potentially reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
Beyond treating the disease, these approaches reflect a growing emphasis on helping patients maintain their independence and quality of life.
“Treating sarcoma goes beyond removing the cancer. We also want to help patients preserve their mobility, independence, and quality of life. I recall the case we had of a 23-year-old bone cancer patient who underwent limb-salvage surgery and was eventually able to return to activities like rock climbing. This shows how personalized treatment can help patients regain not just their physical function, but also the freedom to pursue the activities they love,” Dr. Quek shared.
PCC reminds individuals with active lifestyles that while occasional aches are common, persistent or unexplained symptoms should not be ignored. Seeking timely medical advice can help ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care when needed. For more information on sarcoma and available treatment options, visit www.parkwaycancercentre.com/ph.
