Overcoming a Sarcoma Diagnosis

In early 2024, Karine Zivkovic received life-changing news that made her reassess her future.

“That day, I realized how fragile life can be and how everything can change in an instant,” Zivkovic reflects on her sarcoma diagnosis, a rare type of cancer.

“It all began with severe abdominal inflammation, general discomfort, and loss of appetite,” says Zivkovic, 53, a business administrator originally from Brazil who is now residing in Boca Raton, Florida.

Prompted by these symptoms, she visited the nearest emergency room, where imaging tests revealed an orange-sized mass. “They advised me to consult a specialist in gastrointestinal cancer,” Zivkovic says.

The specialist was Dr. Dido Franceschi, M.D., a renowned surgical oncologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System.

Sarcomas are a group of cancers that affect only 1% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States.

“Sarcoma originates in bones and soft tissues, also known as connective tissues. It can develop in various body parts, with the extremities and abdomen being the most common areas,” Dr. Franceschi says. “Typically, sarcomas don’t cause symptoms, but an abdominal mass or a mass in an extremity should raise a high index of suspicion,” he adds.

Research indicates that patients with rare or challenging cancers have better outcomes and fewer complications when treated at specialized centers with extensive experience and expertise.

Sylvester leads the Southeast United States in sarcoma cases, expertise, diagnosis, and research into new treatments.

“We handle a higher volume of sarcoma patients compared to other centers where only a few cases are seen annually,” Dr. Franceschi says. “While the U.S. reports 18,000 new sarcoma cases each year, Sylvester sees approximately 1,000 new cases annually,” he adds.

Sylvester is the only cancer center in the region designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which means it meets the highest standards for research and treatment. “This allows us to offer cutting-edge therapies and improved treatments that enhance survival rates for sarcoma patients,” he adds.

Thanks to its NCI designation, Sylvester is currently conducting 17 clinical trials for various types of sarcoma.

“Choosing a center like Sylvester provides access to our comprehensive sarcoma program and a highly specialized multidisciplinary team of oncologists, researchers, and world-class pathologists,” says Dr. Franceschi.

Dr. Franceschi emphasizes the need for accurate diagnosis: “Approximately 30% of sarcoma patients we encounter initially receive incorrect cancer diagnoses. At Sylvester, we have a pathologist renowned globally for diagnosing sarcoma accurately.”

In addition to an accurate diagnosis, it is crucial to determine the best treatment approach. “If one does not know how to start making the diagnosis or what would be the best initial treatment, patients may face significantly reduced survival rates,” Dr. Franceschi says.

For Zivkovic’s case, the first step was surgery to remove the tumor.

Pathology confirmed the tumor was a sarcoma. “She had a liposarcoma, a type of fat tumor. Fortunately, it was low-grade, and during the surgery, we achieved cancer-free margins; it is potentially safe to say she is cured,” Dr. Franceschi explains.

“When I was told there was a suspicion of sarcoma, I couldn’t believe it; you are not prepared for such a diagnosis,” Zivkovic says. “But after the surgery, I felt immense relief knowing I was in capable hands.”

Zivkovic admits that she previously “lived to survive,” and the diagnosis compelled her to prioritize her health and family, which she now considers the most important aspects of her life.

“Everyone at Sylvester was incredible; I had never received such excellent care,” she says. “I am very happy.”

Article and video written and produced by Shirley Ravachi for ‘Caring for Your Health,’ a series of medical-related stories broadcast regularly on Telemundo 51. For more stories like this, visit the UHealth YouTube channel.

Tags: Cancer Diagnosis, Cancer Treatment, Overcoming Cancer, sarcoma, Sarcoma Treatment, Sylvester Cancer Center