What Are the Symptoms of Sarcoma? 

July is sarcoma and bone cancer awareness month, so it’s the perfect time to learn about the symptoms of these cancers. There are more than 70 different sarcomas that involve the bone or soft tissue (nerves, muscle, fat, joint linings, and blood vessels).

Symptoms of sarcoma could be signs of other medical conditions, but if you can’t easily explain them, it’s time to tell your doctor. At Arizona Center for Cancer Care, our team of elite oncologists can teach you about your sarcoma type and treat it accordingly. 

We welcome you to our offices in Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, Anthem, Peoria, Fountain Hills, Wickenburg, Apache Junction, Sun City, Sun City West, Goodyear, and Tempe, Arizona, for world-class sarcoma treatment that gives you the best chance at recovery. 

How common is sarcoma? 

Though there are many types of sarcoma, sarcoma is relatively rare. According to the American Cancer Society, sarcoma accounts for just 1% of all cancer diagnoses in adults. 

Some of the most common types of soft tissue sarcoma are:

• Fibrosarcoma — Connective tissue cancer in tendons or ligaments
• Angiosarcoma — Cancer in the lining of blood or lymph vessels
• Leiomyosarcomas — Cancer in smooth muscle tissue, like in your intestines or stomach
• Rhabdomyosarcomas — Cancer in skeletal muscles, usually in your arms, legs, or abdomen
• Liposarcomas — Cancer originating in fat cells
• Synovial sarcomas — Cancer that starts in your joints
• There are also multiple types of bone sarcoma, or cancer that originates in bone. Osteosarcoma is the most common overall (including children/young adults) while chondrosarcoma is the most common in adults.  

Common sarcoma signs and symptoms

The most common initial symptom of soft tissue sarcoma is a painless lump you can feel under your skin. Often, this is the only symptom. As the cancer advances, it may eventually become painful as the tumor presses on nearby nerves. 

Pain is the most common symptom of bone sarcoma at first. 

Other symptoms might appear based on the location and type of sarcoma. You might notice:

• Arm or leg swelling
• Unexplained weight loss
• Trouble moving your arm or leg
• Belly pain
• Back pain
• Stiff or swollen joints
• Fever
• A bone that breaks too easily

There are many other explanations for most of these symptoms. However, if you notice any changes, please inform your doctor so they can diagnose or rule out other potential causes. 

Sarcoma risk factors

You might wonder if sarcoma is something you should worry about. Anyone can develop sarcoma, but some factors can make you more likely to get it than others:

Certain genetic disorders

Genetic disorders are conditions you inherit through your family lineage. Disorders like Werner syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and neurofibromatosis type 1 are all genetic disorders that can raise your risk for sarcoma. 

Long-term swelling

Lymphedema, or long-term swelling in your legs or arms, could be a sign you’re at a higher risk of developing sarcoma cancers.  

Exposure to chemicals or radiation

Radiation from previous cancer treatments can increase your risk of getting sarcoma later. Certain chemicals in herbicides, plastics, and wood preservatives can also increase your risk if you work with them or are around them frequently. 

Get in touch

Want to learn more about sarcoma symptoms or explore treatments for sarcoma? Call Arizona Center for Cancer Care or request an appointment online at your nearest office.