Treatment for soft tissue sarcoma
It’s difficult to give general information about sarcoma surgery. The type of operation you have depends on where in your body the sarcoma is. Many sarcomas are in the arm or leg. Some sarcomas grow in the deeper tummy (abdomen) area. They are called retroperitoneal sarcomas. Surgery for retroperitoneal sarcomas is often a big operation.
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 have a general anaesthetic so you can't feel anything during the operation. This sends you into a deep sleep.
Last reviewed: 12 Jul 2024
Next review due: 12 Jul 2027
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