When a Lump on Your Body Might be Dangerous

Sarcoma is a type of cancer that can occur in various locations in your body. Sarcoma is a rare type of malignant tumor that develops in bone and connective tissue. Soft tissues of the body connect, support and surround other body parts and organs. The tumors can be found anywhere in the body, but often form in the arms, legs, chest or abdomen.

A sign of a soft tissue sarcoma is a lump or swelling in soft tissue of the body. The vast majority of soft tissue sarcomas do not cause pain. Benign tumors tend to be superficial in the subcutaneous tissue.

Sarcoma is Diagnosed with a Biopsy

Soft tissue sarcoma is diagnosed with a biopsy. In a biopsy, the doctor takes out a small piece of the lump to check it for cancer cells. These types of biopsies may be used: core needle biopsy or incisional biopsy. A biopsy is the only way to know for sure if you have cancer.

The Treatment for Sarcoma

Surgical resection is a mainstay of sarcoma treatment. For localized and early stage lesions, curative resection can be done with good long-term survival. For those with advanced disease, a cure is not possible and the median survival time is 12 to 18 months.

The most important prognostic factors are histologic grade and tumor size. Primary tumor size predicts local recurrence and distant metastasis.