If you’ve recently been diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma (LMS), you may hear your consultant mention a specialist sarcoma centre.
For many people, this can be another unfamiliar term at a time when there already feels like there is a lot to take in.
Being referred to a specialist sarcoma centre is a positive step. These centres bring together healthcare professionals with the expertise and experience needed to diagnose and treat rare cancers like Leiomyosarcoma.
Why are specialist centres important?
Leiomyosarcoma is a rare cancer.
Unlike more common cancers, many hospitals will only see a small number of Leiomyosarcoma patients each year. Specialist sarcoma centres bring together teams who regularly diagnose and treat sarcomas, helping ensure patients benefit from the latest knowledge, experience and guidance.
This specialist expertise is one of the reasons why people with suspected or confirmed sarcomas are often referred to these centres.
Where are specialist sarcoma centres in the UK?
There are specialist sarcoma centres across the UK, ensuring patients have access to expert teams with experience in diagnosing and treating rare sarcomas, including Leiomyosarcoma.
Your consultant or local hospital can refer you to the most appropriate centre depending on where you live and your individual circumstances.
Some of the specialist sarcoma centres include:
England
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust (London)
- University College London Hospitals (London)
- Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust (Manchester)
- Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (Birmingham)
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Scotland
- The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre (Glasgow)
- Edinburgh Cancer Centre (Western General Hospital)
Wales
- Velindre Cancer Centre (Cardiff)
Northern Ireland
- Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Your treatment may not take place entirely at one of these hospitals. Many people receive specialist assessment and treatment planning through a sarcoma centre while some aspects of their care, such as blood tests or follow-up appointments, can be delivered closer to home in partnership with their local hospital.
If you’re unsure whether your care is being coordinated through a specialist sarcoma centre, don’t hesitate to ask your consultant or clinical nurse specialist. They will be able to explain how your care is being managed and why your treatment has been planned in a particular way.
Who might I meet?
Your care is likely to involve a team of healthcare professionals with different areas of expertise.
Depending on your individual circumstances, this may include:
- Sarcoma surgeons
- Medical oncologists
- Clinical oncologists
- Radiologists
- Pathologists
- Clinical nurse specialists
- Physiotherapists
- Other healthcare professionals involved in your care
Not every patient will meet every member of the team, but each specialist contributes their expertise to planning your treatment.
Will all my treatment happen there?
Not necessarily.
Some people receive all or most of their treatment at a specialist sarcoma centre, while others have parts of their care closer to home.
For example, your surgery may take place at a specialist centre, while some appointments, blood tests or supportive care may be delivered at your local hospital.
Your healthcare team will explain how your care will be organised.
What is an MDT?
One of the biggest advantages of specialist sarcoma centres is the multidisciplinary team, often called an MDT.
An MDT brings together specialists from different disciplines to review your scans, biopsy results and other information before recommending the most appropriate treatment plan.
Rather than one doctor making decisions alone, several experts work together to consider your care.
This collaborative approach helps ensure every aspect of your diagnosis is carefully reviewed.
Can I ask to be referred?
If you have been diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma, your healthcare team will usually arrange referral to the appropriate specialist sarcoma service where needed.
If you’re unsure whether your care is being reviewed by a specialist sarcoma team, it is perfectly reasonable to ask your consultant.
Questions you might ask include:
- Is my care being managed through a specialist sarcoma centre?
- Has my case been discussed by a sarcoma MDT?
- Will my treatment take place at the specialist centre or locally?
- Who should I contact if I have questions between appointments?
Your healthcare team will be able to explain how your care is being coordinated.
Why specialist expertise matters
Because Leiomyosarcoma is uncommon, every patient’s experience helps build greater understanding of the disease.
Specialist sarcoma centres not only provide expert care but also contribute to research, clinical trials and the continued development of treatments for rare cancers.
That is why access to specialist expertise is such an important part of improving outcomes for people diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma.
A referral is about giving you the best possible care
Hearing that you need to travel to another hospital or specialist centre may feel daunting.
Many patients worry that it means something has become more serious.
In reality, referral to a specialist sarcoma centre is a routine part of care for many people with rare sarcomas. It helps ensure your diagnosis and treatment are supported by professionals who regularly care for people with conditions like yours.
Although every person’s treatment journey is different, specialist care is there to give you the benefit of the knowledge, experience and collaboration that rare cancers often require.
Related articles
- I’ve Just Been Diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma. What Happens Next?
- How Is Leiomyosarcoma Diagnosed?
- Understanding Your MDT Meeting
- What Questions Should I Ask My Consultant After a Leiomyosarcoma Diagnosis?
Please remember: Every patient’s treatment pathway is different. This article provides general information and should not replace advice from your consultant or specialist healthcare team.