Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

 
In the near future, I will be introducing a resolution to educate and raise awareness of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, a type of soft tissue sarcoma.

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma is one of approximately fifty different types of soft tissue sarcomas. It is most commonly diagnosed in older adults and is often found in the arms or legs, but can also form inside at the back of the abdomen. Signs and symptoms of soft tissue sarcomas include swelling or a lump that has grown over a period of time, abdominal pain, blood in stool or vomit, and black, tarry stools. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 12,310 new soft tissue sarcomas were diagnosed in the United States and approximately 4,990 Americans died from soft tissue sarcomas in 2016.

While scientists do not know the exact cause of most cases of soft tissue sarcoma, they have identified risk factors that make a person more likely to develop the disease. These risk factors include radiation, certain family cancer syndromes, a damaged lymph system, and exposure to certain chemicals. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma is most often treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

Please consider joining me in urging the residents of Pennsylvania to support the efforts, programs, services and organizations that work to enhance research and awareness of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma.