17934 Sarcoma

Overview

Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that starts in the body's connective tissues — such as bone, muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, or cartilage. There are two main groups: soft tissue sarcomas and bone sarcomas. They are different from the more common cancers that start in organs or skin.

No. Sarcomas are considered rare. They make up about 1% of all adult cancers, but they are a little more common in children and young adults.

Sarcomas can affect anyone at any age. Some types are more often seen in children and young adults, while others occur more frequently in older adults. Overall, they affect men and women almost equally.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A new lump or swelling that may not hurt at first but keeps growing
• Pain in a bone, especially at night or with movement
• Abdominal pain, fullness, or a feeling of pressure
• Limited movement or a limp if the tumor is near a joint
• Sometimes no symptoms at all in the early stages

Symptoms in children

• A lump or swelling that grows quickly
• Bone pain, particularly at night or during activity
• A limp or difficulty using an arm or leg
• A bone that breaks after little or no apparent injury

Symptoms in older adults

• A painless lump that slowly increases in size
• Persistent pain in a limb, back, or pelvis
• General tiredness or unexplained weight loss

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause of most sarcomas is unknown. They begin when a connective tissue cell develops changes (mutations) in its DNA, causing it to multiply out of control.

Risk factors

• Previous radiation therapy for another cancer
• Inherited conditions such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, or familial adenomatous polyposis
• Chronic swelling (lymphedema) in an arm or leg
• Exposure to certain industrial chemicals, such as vinyl chloride, at high levels
• However, most people with sarcoma have no known risk factors.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor within a few days if you notice a new lump, or an existing lump that is growing, even if it is painless.
• Seek prompt medical advice for persistent bone pain, especially if it wakes you at night or is worse with activity.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Mention any lump that is stable but larger than 2 inches (5 cm) at your next routine appointment.
• If you have had a lump for a long time and it starts to change, make a routine appointment to have it checked.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will begin by asking about your symptoms, medical history, and family history. They will examine the lump or area of pain. If they suspect a sarcoma, they will refer you to a specialist team that can do imaging scans and a biopsy.

Tests that may be done

• Imaging tests such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI
• A biopsy — taking a small sample of tissue from the lump with a needle or during a minor surgery to be examined under a microscope
• Blood tests may be done to check overall health or look for markers
• Genetic testing if an inherited cause is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

The diagnostic process can take a few weeks. You will likely be seen at a specialist sarcoma centre where a team of experts works together. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, they will discuss your results and potential next steps with you clearly and compassionately.

Treatment

Treatment for sarcoma is personalised for each person. Your team will consider the type of sarcoma, its size, location, and whether it has spread. The main approaches are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The goal is to remove the cancer while preserving function and quality of life as much as possible.

Self-care at home

• Keep a diary of any changes in your lump, pain, or general symptoms — this can help your care team.
• Rest when you need to, and pace yourself during treatment.
• Follow your care team's advice on wound care, dressings, and activity after surgery.

Medical treatments

Medical treatments may include chemotherapy (drugs that kill cancer cells throughout the body) or targeted therapies that block specific molecules driving cancer growth. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells in a targeted area. Your doctor will explain which options are likely to work best for your situation and discuss potential side effects. They will not recommend a specific drug or dose without a full assessment.

When is surgery considered?

For many sarcomas, surgery is the main treatment. The surgeon aims to remove the entire tumour along with a small margin of healthy tissue around it. In many cases, limb-saving surgery is possible, but if the tumour is very large or extends to nerves and blood vessels, amputation may occasionally be necessary to save your life.

Living with this condition

Living with a sarcoma diagnosis can be challenging. You may need to adjust your daily routines around treatment, hospital visits, and recovery. Your healthcare team will support you with wound care, physical therapy, and symptom management so you can maintain independence as much as possible.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay as active as is comfortable — short walks and gentle stretching can help preserve strength.
• Get enough rest and accept help from others when you need it.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to help your body heal and lower the risk of complications.

Diet and exercise

Aim for a balanced diet with adequate protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support healing and energy levels. Exercise during treatment should be gentle and guided by your care team. A physiotherapist can design a personalised plan to help you regain or maintain movement after surgery.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A cancer diagnosis can bring fear, sadness, anxiety, or anger. These feelings are very common. Talking to a counsellor, joining a support group, or simply sharing your feelings with trusted friends and family can make a big difference. If you ever feel overwhelmed, please reach out for professional mental health support.

Prevention

Most sarcomas cannot be prevented because the cause is usually unknown. Avoiding known risk factors, such as unnecessary radiation exposure and certain workplace chemicals, may lower the risk for some people, but there is no proven way to prevent most sarcomas.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines that prevent sarcoma. However, staying up to date with recommended immunisations can help protect your overall health during treatment.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for sarcoma in the general population. If you have a known inherited condition that increases your risk, your doctor may recommend regular check-ups and imaging tests to detect tumors early.

Complications

If left untreated

• The tumour may continue to grow and press on nearby nerves, blood vessels, organs, or bones, causing pain and loss of function.
• Cancer cells may spread to other parts of the body, most commonly the lungs, making treatment more complex.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for sarcoma depends on many factors, including the type, size, location, and whether it has spread. Many sarcomas are found early and can be treated successfully. Even if a sarcoma is advanced, treatments are available to help control the disease, relieve symptoms, and maintain a good quality of life. Your care team will give you a realistic and personal outlook, and they will be with you every step of the way — you are not alone.

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