Sarcomas are a rare group of malignant tumors, accounting for about 1–3% of all malignant tumors in adults. According to Lina Pužauskienė, an oncologist and chemotherapist at the Oncology and Hematology Clinic of Kaunas Clinics, these tumors can grow deep in the tissues without causing pain or other clear symptoms, so patients often do not immediately seek specialist help.
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Ernestas’s treatment journey began nearly a decade ago when he noticed a lump several centimeters in size on his calf. At that time, a benign bone tumor was diagnosed at Kaunas Clinics, and surgery was performed to remove the tumor. However, seven years later, the patient found a lump on his leg again, so a second tumor removal surgery was performed at Kaunas Clinics.
A month after the surgery, the patient received unpleasant news – it turned out that this time the growth on the leg was malignant.
“Ernestas was diagnosed with localized osteosarcoma – an aggressive primary malignant bone cancer,” says L. Pužauskienė.
After it was determined that the growth was malignant, Ernestas was immediately given chemotherapy, which helped reduce the tumor size and provided better conditions for surgery.
“During the surgery, we aimed to preserve as much of his bone and limb function as possible. Custom-designed instruments for the patient were used, allowing precise removal of the tumor while preserving as much healthy bone as possible,” says Mindaugas Stravinskas, orthopedic traumatologist at the Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic of Kaunas Clinics, who performed the surgery. According to the doctor, the removed bone part was restored with donor bone from the Kaunas Clinics Tissue Bank.
This approach allowed preserving the patient’s limb function and created conditions for successful further treatment. After surgery, Ernestas continued chemotherapy. “Ongoing treatment reduces the risk of disease recurrence. The entire process usually lasts about 8–10 months. This course is today recognized as the standard treatment for localized osteosarcoma,” says the oncologist and chemotherapist.
Ernestas admits that the most difficult stage in the treatment journey was the physically exhausting chemotherapy cycle. “After chemotherapy, I felt very nauseous for two days. On the third day, I could barely climb to the second floor. On the fourth day, my appetite and strength gradually returned,” the man recalls. According to Ernestas, Kaunas Clinics became like a second home to him – during the most intense period, he had to stay in the hospital for five days at a time.
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Today, Ernestas can enjoy excellent health. According to him, after surviving such fate-imposed trials, you begin to appreciate what you have more. An important role in the treatment journey was played not only by medical treatment but also by the patient’s own attitude. “Ernestas stood out for his motivation, brave approach to the situation, and active involvement in treatment. Throughout the entire treatment period, the man consistently followed treatment recommendations and actively cooperated with the specialists treating him,” says L. Pužauskienė.
According to the oncologist, such awareness is especially important because sarcomas are rare and very complex connective tissue tumors. Although more than 100 different subtypes are known, this disease is quite rare: up to 250 new sarcoma cases are diagnosed annually in Lithuania.
M. Stravinskas emphasizes that if you notice a deformity, lump, or other unusual changes, the most important thing is not to delay and to seek a specialist as soon as possible. “People often wait too long, and the disease does not go away on its own – the earlier treatment begins, the more chances there are to achieve a good result,” says the orthopedic traumatologist.
Kaunas Clinics hosts the only specialized Sarcoma Center in Lithuania, where patients are provided with the full modern spectrum of diagnostics and treatment – from precise diagnostics and molecular tests to complex surgeries, systemic treatment, radiation therapy, rehabilitation, and long-term monitoring.
This center employs a multidisciplinary team of specialists who have gained experience in foreign centers with extensive sarcoma treatment expertise. Since sarcomas are very rare and diverse, treatment outcomes are better when patients are treated in such specialized centers with significant experience and the necessary competencies.
Ernestas’s story reminds us that modern medicine, a professional medical team, and the man’s own determination can together achieve very good results. It is precisely such experiences that give hope to both patients and their loved ones.
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