Cairn Atkinson, who lives in Los Angeles, USA, was the harbinger of difficult days when the cancer diagnosis was placed on her at the age of 30. However, the difficult treatment process of the cancer type, which is seen in one in 10 million, heralded a new beginning for the young woman.

Cairn, who had undergone many surgeries due to tumors under the skin due to a type of cancer called Epithelioid Sarcoma, which is seen in one in 10 million, never gave up in his 4-year struggle with his disease.

Cairn, whose leg was amputated during the operation he had in December 2018, continued his life by overcoming his illness. However, his illness resurfaced in 2022. This time the situation was worse than before.

Medical professionals found 3 tumors in Cairn's arm and leg area. But this devastating development did not slow his struggle.

Preparing to begin chemotherapy and radiation, Cairn devoted much of her spare time to helping others while continuing to pursue her dreams despite her ongoing battle with cancer. She launched a major career as a pin-up model in the hopes of inspiring other cancer patients or amputees to see if they could achieve their goals.

Explaining the difficulty of the process on his social media account, Cairn said, "My oncologist said that the next process was chemotherapy and radiation, which was not an option years ago, so this time there are high hopes that the treatment will destroy the cancer."

What is Epitheloid Sarcoma?

Epitheloid sarcoma is a rare, slow-growing type of soft tissue cancer. Most cases start in the soft tissue under the skin of a finger, hand, forearm, lower leg, or foot, although it can start in other parts of the body.

Typically, epithelioid sarcoma begins as a painless small, firm growth or lump. It usually starts as a single growth, but multiple growths can occur when a person seeks medical attention. Sometimes this sarcoma presents as non-healing ulcers and looks like open sores over growths.

The classic form of epithelioid sarcoma (distal type) occurs mainly in teenagers and young adults. A rarer form called large cell (proximal type) epithelioid sarcoma tends to be more aggressive and mainly affects adults.

Epitheloid sarcoma is highly recurrent and may spread to other sites.

Epithelioid Sarcoma Treatment

The most common treatment for epithelioid sarcoma is surgery, but other treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy may be used in addition to surgery.

Surgery usually involves removing the cancer and the margin of healthy tissue surrounding it to help prevent recurrence. In severe cases, depending on the size, depth, and location of the cancer, it is rare that part of the affected limb will need to be amputated, but surgeons try their best to prevent this.