sarcopenia
Pronunciation: sar-ko-PEE-nee-ah
Loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, recognized as an important prognostic factor in thoracic oncology patients.
Full Definition
Sarcopenia, defined as the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, has emerged as a critical prognostic factor in thoracic oncology. Cancer-related sarcopenia can result from the malignancy itself, treatment effects, or a combination of factors including inflammation, decreased nutritional intake, and physical inactivity. In lung cancer patients, sarcopenia is associated with increased surgical complications, reduced tolerance to chemotherapy, worse performance status, and decreased overall survival. Assessment typically involves cross-sectional imaging analysis of muscle mass at the L3 vertebral level, with specific cutoff values defined for different populations. Recognition and management of sarcopenia are increasingly integrated into comprehensive cancer care.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from cachexia, which includes weight loss beyond muscle mass; sarcopenia specifically refers to muscle mass and function.
In Context
- "Preoperative sarcopenia was identified as a significant predictor of postoperative complications." — Surgical risk assessment
- "The multidisciplinary team implemented a nutrition intervention program to address cancer-related sarcopenia." — Care plan documentation