Surgery for soft tissue sarcoma

Surgery is the main treatment for most types of soft tissue sarcoma. It is a very specialised treatment.

Surgery for sarcoma is a very specialised treatment. A surgeon who is trained and experienced in this area will do your operation. 

During your operation, you may need some plastic surgery to repair the area. This happens at the same time as your sarcoma operation.

When sarcoma spreads to a different part of the body it is called a secondary or metastatic cancer. Surgery is sometimes possible if it has spread to the lungs or the liver. 

Before you have surgery for a soft tissue sarcoma you will meet the team caring for you and have some tests to check you are well enough to have the operation. 

You’ll probably go into hospital on the day of your operation. The length of your hospital stay depends on the type of operation you have and your recovery.

On the day of the operation, you have to stop eating for a period of time and get ready for surgery. 

How you'll feel and your recovery after your operation depends on where your soft tissue sarcoma is and the type of operation you have.