Soft tissue sarcoma

The most common symptom of soft tissue sarcoma is a solid lump somewhere on your body that keeps growing larger.

The main tests for soft tissue sarcoma are blood tests, scans and a biopsy (where a sample of cells is collected for testing).

The main treatments for soft tissue sarcoma are surgery and radiotherapy. You may also be offered chemotherapy and targeted medicines.

The most common symptom of soft tissue sarcoma is a lump somewhere on your body.

It's usually found deep under your skin and you may feel it before you see it.

The lump is usually solid to the touch, painless and hard to move around under the skin.

It will continue to grow and as it does, it can become painful.

Other symptoms

You may also get other symptoms depending on where in your body the lump is.

These can include:

• tummy pain and constipation if you get a sarcoma near your tummy
• a cough that does not go away if you get a sarcoma near your lungs

• a lump or swelling somewhere on your body

Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare cancer. It’s not always known what causes it.

You might be more likely to get it if you:

• are over the age of 65
• had radiotherapy in the past
• have HIV – if left untreated, HIV can cause a type of soft tissue sarcoma called Kaposi’s sarcoma
• have neurofibromatosis – a genetic condition that causes non-cancerous tumours to grow along the nerves
• have retinoblastoma – a rare type of childhood eye cancer

Find out more

• Macmillan Cancer Support: Kaposi’s sarcoma

You will need more tests and scans to check for soft tissue sarcoma if the GP refers you to a specialist.

Tests that the specialist may arrange include:

• blood tests
• scans, such as an ultrasound scan (sometimes from inside your body using an endoscope, which is a long, thin tube with a small camera inside), CT scan or MRI scan
• collecting a small sample of cells from any lump using a needle (called a biopsy)

You may not have all these tests.

The treatment you’ll have for soft tissue sarcoma will depend on:

• the type of soft tissue sarcoma
• the size of the cancer
• where it is in your body
• if it has spread to your organs
• your general health

Soft tissue sarcomas are usually treated using surgery and radiotherapy.

You may also be offered chemotherapy and targeted medicines.

The specialist care team looking after you will:

• explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
• work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you
• help you manage any side effects

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you are worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

If you have soft tissue sarcoma, you and your loved ones will be supported throughout your treatment by a group of specialists.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about soft tissue sarcoma.

Information and support for anyone affected by sarcoma.

• Website: https://sarcoma.org.uk/
• Sarcoma UK: support for you
• Sarcoma UK: support line – email, phone or text

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
• Helpline: 0808 808 0000
• Macmillan Cancer Support: support line service
• Macmillan Cancer Support: online community
• Macmillan Cancer Support: find local support services

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org
• Nurse helpline: 0808 800 4040
• Cancer Research UK: ask a nurse service
• Cancer Research UK: online cancer chat forum
• Cancer Research UK: find a clinical trial service

Practical, emotional and social support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website: https://www.maggies.org/
• Helpline: 0300 123 1801
• Maggie's: cancer support
• Maggie's: find your nearest support centre

Care and support for anyone affected by a terminal illness.

• Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk
• Helpline: 0800 090 2309
• Marie Curie: support services