Brooks Douglass was an American football player who played for the New York Giants from 1987 to 1993. He was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called synovial sarcoma in 2002.
What is Synovial Sarcoma?
Synovial sarcoma is a type of soft tissue cancer that develops in the synovium, the lining of the joints. It is a rare cancer, accounting for only about 5% of all soft tissue sarcomas. Synovial sarcoma is most commonly found in the knee, but it can also occur in other joints, such as the shoulder, elbow, or hip.
Symptoms of Synovial Sarcoma
The symptoms of synovial sarcoma can vary depending on the location of the tumor. Common symptoms include:
- A lump or swelling in the joint
- Pain in the joint
- Stiffness in the joint
- Decreased range of motion in the joint
Diagnosis of Synovial Sarcoma
Synovial sarcoma is diagnosed through a biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of tissue from the tumor for examination under a microscope.
Treatment of Synovial Sarcoma
The treatment of synovial sarcoma depends on the stage of the cancer. Early-stage synovial sarcoma can be treated with surgery to remove the tumor. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may also be used to treat the cancer. Advanced-stage synovial sarcoma is more difficult to treat and may require a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Prognosis of Synovial Sarcoma
The prognosis for synovial sarcoma depends on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis. The five-year survival rate for early-stage synovial sarcoma is about 70%. The five-year survival rate for advanced-stage synovial sarcoma is about 30%.
Brooks Douglass’s Battle with Synovial Sarcoma
Brooks Douglass was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma in 2002. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor, followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Douglass’s cancer went into remission, but it returned in 2009. Douglass underwent additional surgery and chemotherapy, but the cancer continued to spread. Douglass died from synovial sarcoma in 2011.
The Brooks Douglass Foundation
After Douglass’s death, his family and friends established the Brooks Douglass Foundation to raise awareness of synovial sarcoma and to support research into the disease. The foundation has raised millions of dollars for research and has helped to fund clinical trials for new treatments for synovial sarcoma.
What You Can Do to Help
If you are interested in helping to fight synovial sarcoma, you can donate to the Brooks Douglass Foundation or volunteer your time to help raise awareness of the disease. You can also talk to your doctor about synovial sarcoma and learn more about the symptoms and treatment options.