Receiving a sarcoma diagnosis often brings emotional, physical, and financial challenges. For those facing advanced stages of this rare cancer, viatical settlements for sarcoma patients can offer a way to access financial resources by selling an existing life insurance policy. This option allows patients to unlock immediate funds to help cover medical treatments, daily living expenses, and other financial needs while focusing on care and quality of life.
Understanding Sarcoma
Sarcoma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the bones or soft tissues, such as muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and ligaments. There are many subtypes of sarcoma, each with different characteristics:
Soft Tissue Sarcomas
These form in the soft tissues of the body like muscles, fat, and connective tissues. They are the most common type of sarcoma. There are many subtypes of soft tissue sarcoma such as liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma.
Osteosarcomas
Osteosarcoma starts in the bone and is most often found in the long bones of the arms and legs. It is more common in children and young adults but can occur at any age.
Ewing Sarcomas
A rare cancer that typically begins in the bones or soft tissue around the bones. Ewing sarcoma is more frequently diagnosed in children and adolescents and often affects the pelvis, legs, or chest wall.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)
These originate in the digestive tract, most commonly in the stomach or small intestine. GIST tumors often have specific genetic mutations that make them eligible for targeted therapies.
Liposarcomas
A type of soft tissue sarcoma that begins in fat cells, usually in the arms, legs, or abdomen. Some forms of liposarcoma grow slowly, while others can be aggressive.
Leiomyosarcomas
Leiomyosarcoma starts in smooth muscle tissue, which is found in organs such as the uterus, stomach, intestines, and blood vessels. It can be difficult to detect in early stages.
Because of its complexity and rarity, sarcoma often requires specialized care, and treatment plans can vary depending on the specific type and stage of the disease.
Common Treatments for Sarcoma
Sarcoma treatment often involves a combination of therapies, which may include:
Surgery
Surgical removal of the tumor is typically the first line of treatment, especially if the cancer has not spread. The goal is to remove the entire tumor with clear margins to prevent recurrence.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation may be used before or after surgery to shrink tumors or reduce the risk of cancer returning.
Chemotherapy
Certain sarcomas respond to chemotherapy, which may include drugs such as:
- Doxorubicin
- Ifosfamide
- Gemcitabine
- Docetaxel
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
For specific subtypes of sarcoma, targeted therapies have become an important part of treatment. These may include:
- Pazopanib (Votrient)
- Larotrectinib (Vitrakvi)
- Trabectedin (Yondelis)
- Imatinib (Gleevec) for GIST
- Sunitinib (Sutent) for GIST
- Regorafenib (Stivarga) for GIST
Targeted therapies may help slow disease progression but often carry high costs.
Financial Burden of Sarcoma Treatment
The cost of sarcoma care can be significant, especially with prolonged treatment plans, travel to specialty centers, or participation in clinical trials. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs can include:
- Co-pays and deductibles
- Non-covered medications
- Transportation and lodging for treatment
- In-home care and support services
How Viatical Settlements Can Help Sarcoma Patients
Viatical settlements for sarcoma patients offer a financial solution by allowing qualified individuals to sell their life insurance policies for a lump sum cash payment. The amount received is based on factors such as:
- The policy’s face value, insurance carrier, and policy provisions
- Premium costs
- The insured’s life expectancy
Funds from a viatical settlement can be used for any purpose, such as:
- Covering ongoing medical care
- Paying for home health services
- Managing daily living expenses
- Reducing financial stress on family members
Tax Considerations
In most cases, funds received through a viatical settlement are not subject to federal income tax because they are considered an advance of the death benefit. However, each situation is unique, and it is always recommended to consult with a qualified tax advisor to review individual circumstances.
For patients facing the challenges of sarcoma, a viatical settlement may provide much-needed financial support at a critical time. By converting a life insurance policy into cash, patients and their families can focus on care, comfort, and quality of life without the added stress of financial strain. To learn if you or your loved one may qualify, please give us a call at 800-973-8258. Viatical.org has been helping people access the hidden value in life insurance for nearly 20 years.
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