Status: 12.10.2023, 15:32 PM
By: Judith Braun
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Sarcomas occur either in the bone or in the soft tissue. Those affected do not show any typical symptoms, which is why a tumor is usually detected late.
Sarcomas are so-called malignant tumors. These are malignant tumors that are divided into three different categories. In addition to sarcomas, there are also carcinomas and blastomas. Sarcomas account for about one percent of all new cancer cases each year. This means that this form of cancer occurs only rarely. Here you can find out where sarcomas can develop in the body and which symptoms can recognise them.
Cancer: Sarcomas are most common in the arms and legs
Most commonly, sarcomas occur in the arms or legs. © Pond5 Images/IMAGO
More than 100 different types of tumours are grouped under the term "sarcomas". All of these forms are different in both their growth behavior and their prognosis. Therefore, the respective therapy also depends on the exact type of tumor. Sarcomas are located either in the bones or in the soft tissues (muscle, fat, and connective tissue). They mainly occur in the latter (85 percent). Only 15 percent of sarcomas occur in the bones.
Sarcomas in the soft tissue are malignant and grow directly into the neighboring tissue. In addition, they have the ability to spread to distant organs. Soft tissue sarcomas occur mainly in the arms and legs. However, the neck and head area, shoulders, abdomen and pelvis can also be affected. Bone sarcomas originate in bone or bone tissue. They are also malignant tumors. Osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma mainly affect children and adolescents. In people over 40 years of age, on the other hand, these hardly occur anymore. From the age of 50, however, chondrosarcoma becomes more common. These bone tumors arise from the cartilage tissue and mainly affect the pelvis, shoulder and/or hip.
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Recognizing sarcomas: symptoms of the malignant tumor type
Since sarcomas do not have typical complaints and symptoms, they are usually detected late. The following signs may indicate it at different stages of the tumor:
- painless swelling or lump (usually occurs at the beginning)
- Feeling of tightness in affected areas (as sarcoma grows)
- Pain (when sarcoma is already displacing nerves or growing into nerve tissue)
Joint pain, joint stiffness, or a bone fracture can occur with bone sarcomas. If swelling persists for more than four weeks, you should have it checked by a doctor.
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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.