Soft Tissue Sarcoma Treatment in India

Olivia Mehta, a 42-year-old high school...

Olivia Mehta, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, first noticed a persistent, painless lump in her right thigh while running. Initially dismissing it as a muscle knot, she grew concerned when it didn't resolve after six weeks. An ultrasound and subsequent MRI revealed a deep-seated mass. Her oncologist, Dr. Chen, explained it was a high-grade soft tissue sarcoma, likely a leiomyosarcoma. He recommended a wide local excision surgery to remove the tumor with clear margins, followed by radiation therapy to minimize recurrence risk. Olivia was terrified, her mind racing with fears for her family and her ability to continue her active life. The surgery was successful, but the recovery was challenging, involving weeks of physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in her leg. A year later, she is cancer-free, though she attends regular scans with anxiety. The experience profoundly changed her perspective, making her more present with her family and students. She now volunteers with a sarcoma support network, using her scientific background to help others navigate their diagnosis.