Sarcoma
A sarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in tissues like bone or muscle. Bone and soft tissue sarcomas are the main types of sarcoma. Soft tissue sarcomas can develop in soft tissues like fat, muscle, nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels, or deep skin tissues. They can be found in any part of the body.
A sarcoma is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that develops in bone and/or soft tissue. Soft tissues support other body structures and include:
- Muscle.
- Fat.
- Tendons.
- Cartilage.
- Ligaments.
- Blood vessels.
- Nerves.
Sarcomas are rare, making up only 1% of all adult cancer diagnoses and about 15% of childhood cancer diagnoses. Approximately 16,000 sarcomas are diagnosed in the United States each year (around 4,000 bone sarcomas and approximately 13,000 soft tissue sarcomas).
Where are most sarcomas found?
Sarcomas can form in various parts of your body — anywhere from your head to your toes:
- 40% occur in your lower extremities (legs, ankles, feet).
- 15% occur in your upper extremities (shoulders, arms, wrists, hands).
- 30% occur in your trunk/chest wall/abdomen/pelvis.
- 15% occur in your head and neck.
Symptoms may include:
- A new lump that may or may not hurt.
- Pain in an extremity (arm/leg) or abdomen/pelvis.
- Trouble moving your arm or leg (a limp or limited range of motion).
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Back pain.
How are sarcomas treated?
Your treatment will depend on various factors, including:
- The type of sarcoma.
- Its size and location.
- Your general health.
- Whether the sarcoma is newly diagnosed or returned (recurrent).
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
What is the survival rate of sarcoma?
The five-year survival rate of soft tissue sarcoma ranges from 15% for metastasized cancer (cancer that has spread to other parts of your body) to 81% for cancer that hasn’t spread. The five-year survival rate for osteosarcoma (the most common type of bone cancer) ranges from 26% for metastasized cancer to 77% for cancer that hasn’t spread.
