July is Sarcoma Awareness Month, and at OxyGeneration they are putting this rare form of cancer in the spotlight. Sarcomas affect the bones or soft tissues, and treatment often involves major surgery and radiation therapy.
While these treatments can be effective in removing or shrinking tumours, they can also leave behind long-lasting complications that impact your daily life.
One therapy that is helping patients recover from the effects of sarcoma treatment is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT ). At OxyGeneration in Galway, HBOT can be accessed by patients seeking support while recovering from cancer.
Life After Sarcoma Treatment
Surgery for sarcoma can be extensive, involving the removal of large sections of tissue or bone. Radiation therapy, while essential for controlling tumour spread, can unfortunately damage healthy tissues in the process.
This combination can lead to a number of side effects, including:
Poor wound healing
Fatigue and pain
Skin and soft tissue fibrosis (hardening and stiffness due to scar-like tissue )
Ongoing inflammation, swelling or infection
Tissue injuries due to radiation
For some patients, these complications can occur months or even years after treatment has ended.
How HBOT Can Help
HBOT involves sitting in a pressurised chamber while breathing almost pure oxygen. This greatly increases the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream, allowing oxygen to reach tissues that may have a poor blood supply due to radiation injury or the surgery itself.
HBOT helps in the following ways.
Blood flow is improved as new blood vessels are encouraged to grow. This means that oxygen may reach tissues where the blood supply has been impacted by surgery or radiation therapy.
High oxygen levels stimulate tissue repair by promoting collagen production and stem cell activity.
Pain and swelling can be reduced, as high oxygen levels can lower the body’s inflammatory response.
Infections may be less likely in damaged tissues, as HBOT makes it harder for bacteria to multiply.
Research has shown that HBOT is a safe, helpful treatment that can ease pain and reduce the risk of tissue scarring (fibrosis ) following sarcoma treatment. Improved wound healing was also seen in patients with a slow-to-heal wounds.
Working Alongside Cancer Treatment
HBOT does not directly treat cancer or sarcoma, but it can be a valuable tool in managing the side effects of treatment. For many, it’s part of a wider recovery plan that includes rest, physiotherapy, and eating well.
Private and Accessible Support
At OxyGeneration in Galway, patients have access to hospital-grade HBOT in a private, supportive setting. Sessions typically last up to 90 minutes and are designed to be restful. Many people read, chat or watch TV while breathing in high levels of oxygen.
The number of sessions recommended varies based on your individual needs. Our experienced team can discuss this with you before you start treatment sessions.
Is HBOT at OxyGeneration Right for You?
If you are living with the long-term effects of sarcoma treatment – especially after radiation therapy or surgery – HBOT may offer a new way to support your recovery. It’s safe, non-invasive, and has been shown to ease pain and other side effects in people healing after sarcoma treatment.
Our team of specialists ensures that every patient receives personalised care. We accept referrals and work with most insurance providers, making the treatment accessible and straightforward.
To find out more about HBOT or OxyGeneration, get in touch today.
