About Cancer
Soft tissue sarcomas are cancers that develop in the connective and supporting tissues in the body. These include:
fat
muscle
blood vessels
deep skin tissues
nerves
tendons and ligaments
the tissues around the joints
Together, these tissues are known as connective tissues. They connect, support or surround other structures or organs in the body.
The bones are also a supporting tissue. There are different types of sarcoma that affect the bones. These can be treated differently.
Read more about primary bone cancer
Soft tissue is in all parts of the body. So soft tissue sarcomas can develop and grow almost anywhere. If a sarcoma is not treated, the cells continue to divide and the sarcoma will grow in size.
The growth of the sarcoma causes a lump in the soft tissues. This can cause pressure on any body tissues or organs nearby.
Sarcoma cells from the original area may break away. If the cells get into the bloodstream they can spread to other areas of the body. These cells can then form new areas of sarcoma, which are known as secondary cancers or metastases.
Sarcomas most commonly spread to the lungs. Sometimes they may spread to the bones.
There are many different types of soft tissue sarcoma. Depending on the type, they have different:
behaviours
risks
outcomes
The type depends on the type of cell that the cancer started in.
Read more about different types of soft tissue sarcomas
Soft tissue sarcomas are rare cancers. Around 4,300 people are diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma each year in England. That’s around 12 cases diagnosed every day.
Soft tissue sarcomas are most common in older people. But compared to most other cancer types, it is also quite common in younger people.
We don’t know what causes most soft tissue sarcomas, but there are some factors that may increase your risk of developing it. Having any of these risk factors does not mean that you will definitely develop cancer.
The most common symptoms include a lump that's painless, increasing in size, or pain or soreness as the lump grows and presses against nerves and muscles.
We don't know what causes most soft tissue sarcomas. But some factors may increase your risk of developing it. Having any of these risk factors does not mean that you will develop cancer.
You usually start by seeing your GP. They will examine you and might refer you for tests or to a specialist.
You have a number of tests to check for soft tissue sarcoma. The tests you might have include an ultrasound scan and taking a sample of tissue called a biopsy.
Staging means how big the cancer is and whether it has spread. Grading means how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope.
The type of soft tissue sarcoma you have tells you the type of cell that the cancer started in. Knowing this helps your doctor decide which treatment you need.
The main treatment for soft tissue sarcoma is surgery. You may also have radiotherapy treatment to reduce the symptoms and help you feel better. A team of doctors and other professionals discuss the best treatment and care for you.
All treatments must be fully researched before they can be adopted as standard treatment for everyone. Discover the latest clinical trials that are underway for soft tissue sarcomas.
Last reviewed: 20 May 2024
Next review due: 20 May 2027
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