Getting diagnosed
It can be hard for GPs to decide who may have cancer and who might have a more minor condition. For some symptoms, your doctor may ask you to wait to see if the symptoms get better or respond to treatment, such as antibiotics.
There are guidelines for GPs to help them decide who needs a referral.
Some of the UK nations have targets around how quickly you’ll be seen. In England an urgent referral means that you should see a specialist within 2 weeks.
This 2 week time frame is not part of the waiting times for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. But wherever you live, you are seen as quickly as possible. Ask your GP when you are likely to get an appointment.
Adults
The guidelines say that your GP should arrange an ultrasound scan within 2 weeks if you have an unexplained lump that is increasing in size. Or directly refer you to the specialist. You should then see a specialist within 2 weeks if the results of the scan are uncertain. Or look like you might have a soft tissue sarcoma.
Children and young people
There are specific guidelines for children (0 to 15 years) and young people (16 to 24 years).
The GP should refer children and young people for an urgent ultrasound within 2 days if they have an unexplained lump that is increasing in size. If the results of the scan are concerning or look like a sarcoma, they should see a specialist within 2 days.
These are guidelines only. So your GP may decide to refer you or your child directly to a specialist (without doing tests first). This depends on your situation.
GPs in Wales and Northern Ireland follow the English guidelines in terms of symptoms. There is not a 2 week time frame, but you will have a test or see a specialist as soon as possible.
Your GP should refer you to see a specialist if you have one or more of the following:
a lump that is 5cm or more
a lump that is increasing in size
a lump that is deeper in the body tissue and is fixed
a lump in the same area where you previously had a sarcoma removed
your lymph nodes are swollen in this area
Sometimes you might feel that your GP is not concerned enough about your symptoms. If you think they should be more concerned, print this page and the symptoms page. Ask your GP to explain why they don’t think you need a referral.
Contact your GP again if your symptoms don't get better or you notice any new or unusual symptoms.
Last reviewed: 08 Jul 2024
Next review due: 08 Jul 2027
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.
You usually start by seeing your GP. They will examine you and might refer you for tests or to a specialist.
There are some things you can do to get the most out of your GP appointment if you have symptoms of a soft tissue sarcoma.
Soft tissue sarcomas are cancers that develop in the supporting tissues of the body. These include tissues such as the muscle, nerves, fat and blood vessels.
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