Read article Symptoms of soft tissue sarcomas
This page tells you about the symptoms of soft tissue sarcomas.
In their early stages soft tissue sarcomas do not usually cause symptoms. As sarcomas can grow anywhere in the body, the symptoms will depend on where the cancer is. The main symptoms can include
- A lump that is painless at first
- Pain or soreness as the lump grows and presses against nerves and muscles
Of course, most lumps and bumps will not be cancer. A lump is more likely to be a sarcoma if it is increasing in size or if it is big - more than 5 cm across. Lumps that are deep in the body tissues are also more likely to be sarcoma. The older you are when you develop a lump, the greater the risk that it is a cancer. Lastly, there is a very slightly greater risk of a cancer with painful lumps.
It is possible to have other symptoms from sarcoma, depending on where they are in the body. For example, a leiomyosarcoma in the womb may cause bleeding other than when you are having a period or after you have had your menopause.
Remember - all these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer. This is a rare disease, and it is much more likely that some other problem is causing your symptoms.
UK guidelines produced by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) help GPs decide who might have a soft tissue sarcoma and should be seen urgently by a specialist.
The earlier a cancer is picked up, the easier it is to treat it and the more likely the treatment is to be successful. So it is important that you go to your GP as soon as possible if you notice worrying symptoms.
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