What is Sarcoma?
Sarcoma is a rare cancer that grows in the body’s connective tissues—the "glue" that holds the body together.
Unlike more common cancers (carcinomas) that start in organs like the lungs, breasts, or colon, sarcomas develop in structures like muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and bones. While it accounts for less than 1% of all adult cancer diagnoses, it is more common in children and young adults.
Two major types of Sarcoma
Soft Tissue Sarcomas:
These start in the muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, or deep skin tissues. Common locations include the arms, legs, and abdomen.
Examples
Angiosarcoma -Blood Vessles
Chondrosarcoma - Cartilage
Liposarcoma - Fat cells
Leiomyosarcoma - Uterus
Rhabdomysarcoma- Muscle
Ewing Sarcoma
Bone Sarcomas:
These begin directly in the bone. They are most frequently found in the long bones of the arms and legs, often near the knees.
Examples
Osteosarcoma - Bone
Ewing Sarcoma - Bone
While there are only 2 major types of sarcoma, there are over 70 subtypes.
What should I look for?
Sarcomas can be tricky to spot early on because they often start as a painless lump. You should consult a doctor if you notice:
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A new lump, or a lump that is growing rapidly (especially if it is larger than a golf ball or deep in the tissue).
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Unexplained, persistent bone pain that worsens at night or during activity.
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A limp or limited range of motion in a limb.
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Severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool, or feeling full quickly (for abdominal sarcomas).
Important to Know:
Because we can't tie sarcomas to specific lifestyle choices or preventable habits (like smoking or diet), awareness and early detection are the most powerful tools patients have. Catching a sarcoma when it is small and localized drastically improves the success rate of surgery and overall long-term outcomes.
How is Sarcoma Treated?
Because sarcoma is rare and complex, it is highly recommended that patients seek care from a specialized sarcoma multidisciplinary team. Treatment often involves a combination of:
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Surgery: The primary treatment, aiming to safely remove the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue around it.
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Radiation Therapy: Used before surgery to shrink the tumor, or after to destroy remaining cancer cells.
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Chemotherapy & Targeted Therapies: Often used for specific subtypes, advanced stages, or bone sarcomas to stop the cancer from spreading.
**This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.