Sarcoma

Medically reviewed by NCIS Specialists. Last reviewed by Dr Anand Jeyasekharan. Published on 31 October 2026.

What are sarcomas?

Sarcomas are a rare group of cancers that develop in the body's connective tissues — such as muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, bones, and cartilage. Unlike more common cancers that begin in organs, sarcomas arise from the body's structural and supporting tissues.

Types of Sarcoma

• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Over 50 subtypes affecting muscles, fat, vessels, and nerves.
• Bone Sarcomas: Includes Osteosarcoma, Ewing Sarcoma, and Chondrosarcoma.
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST): A type of sarcoma found in the digestive tract.

Soft bone sarcoma occuring in the leg

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What are the signs & symptoms of sarcoma?

Sarcoma symptoms depend on where the tumour develops. Some common signs include:

• A growing lump or mass (may or may not be painful)
• Bone pain that worsens at night or with activity
• Persistent limb swelling
• Abdominal discomfort or a feeling of fullness
• Difficulty moving a joint or limb
• Unexplained fractures

Having a lump does not always mean you have a sarcoma. However, if a lump grows, persists, or causes pain, seek medical attention promptly.

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What are the risk factors of sarcoma?

The exact cause of sarcoma is often unknown, but the following may increase risk:

• Inherited genetic syndromes such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Neurofibromatosis type 1, and Familial retinoblastoma.
• Previous radiation exposure, including past radiation therapy treatment.
• Chronic lymphoedema, which raises the risk of angiosarcoma.
• Age: some types occur more commonly in children, others in adults.

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How are sarcomas diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves multiple steps:

• Physical Examination: A review of symptoms and physical assessment by a doctor.
• Imaging Tests: MRI, CT scans, or PET scans to determine the size and location of the tumour.
• Biopsy: Confirms the diagnosis and identifies the specific subtype.
• Molecular Testing: Identifies genetic markers to guide personalised treatment.
• Staging: Assesses whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

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What are the treatment options for sarcoma?

Treatment depends on the type, location, size, and stage of the sarcoma. One or more of the following treatment modalities may be used.

Surgery

Surgery is the primary treatment for sarcoma, aimed at removing the tumour with clear margins. Limb-sparing surgery may be considered in suitable cases to preserve limb function where possible.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is often used before or after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells or to shrink the tumour prior to surgical removal.

Systemic Therapy

Systemic therapy involves the use of drugs that travel through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells in various parts of the body. There are several types:

• Chemotherapy: Works by targeting rapidly dividing cells to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Harnesses the body's immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy: Targets specific molecules driving cancer growth and survival.

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Living with sarcoma

Support services can help patients and families cope throughout their journey. These include patient and caregiver support groups, rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, nutrition counselling, psychological and emotional support, survivorship and wellness programmes, and palliative care when needed.

Additional resources and links are available on the NCIS website.