Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Specialist

Among the many types of soft tissue sarcomas, retroperitoneal sarcoma is one of the most difficult to manage because it’s often large at the time its diagnosed and in a location that makes surgery difficult. Robert Donoway, MD, FACS, at Atlas Oncology is one of only a few experts performing the NanoKnife® procedure, which gives you a potential treatment option for difficult retroperitoneal sarcomas. If you develop a lump in your abdomen, call the office in Hollywood, Florida, or book a consultation online.

Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Q & A

What is retroperitoneal sarcoma?

Sarcoma is a general name that includes more than 50 types of soft tissue cancers. These rare cancers may develop in any of the soft tissues throughout your body.

Retroperitoneal sarcoma, which represents about 15% of all soft tissue sarcomas, occurs in the retroperitoneal space. This area lies behind the membrane that lines your abdomen and includes your kidneys and pancreas.

What symptoms might I develop due to retroperitoneal sarcoma?

Your symptoms depend on the size and location of the tumor. In most soft tissue sarcomas, the first sign is a noticeable lump. If you have a retroperitoneal sarcoma, you may discover a lump in your abdomen, but only after it grows large enough to be felt.

Retroperitoneal sarcoma causes symptoms such as:

• Lump in your abdomen
• Dull pain in your abdomen or back
• Loss of appetite
• Unintended weight loss
• Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
• Blood in stools
• Lower extremity swelling
• Abdominal bloating or increase in size

If you develop any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a specialist like Dr. Donoway. Retroperitoneal sarcomas are challenging for most professionals to diagnose because they’re so rare. Then they require treatment from an oncologist like Dr. Donoway who has extensive experience in soft tissue sarcomas and who takes the time to personalize your care.

How is retroperitoneal sarcoma treated?

Retroperitoneal sarcoma is primarily treated with surgery to remove the tumor. In some cases, you may receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy before surgery to shrink the tumor. Radiotherapy may be considered after surgery to prevent recurrence.

If your retroperitoneal sarcoma is inoperable, Dr. Donoway offers another innovative treatment option: the NanoKnife® procedure. The NanoKinfe procedure is specially designed to remove soft tissue tumors that are inoperable or in a location that’s hard to reach.

The cutting-edge NanoKnife device doesn’t require an incision; it uses long, needle-like electrodes to destroy the tumor. Dr. Donoway places several electrodes around the tumor, then activates them to send out electrical signals.

The signals create an electrical field that’s contained inside the electrodes, so it only affects the tumor. As a result, tumor cells are destroyed without harming healthy tissues outside the electrodes.

If you have concerns about symptoms, or you’d like to consult with Dr. Donoway to learn whether you’re a good candidate for the NanoKnife procedure, call Atlas Oncology or book an appointment online.