Understanding Sarcoma
Sarcoma is a rare cancer that can affect anyone at any age. Learning about it is the first step toward earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and improved outcomes.
What is Sarcoma?
Sarcoma is a malignant tumor that arises from connective tissues — the cells that form the structural framework of the body. Unlike carcinomas, which develop from epithelial cells (skin, organ linings), sarcomas originate in bone, muscle, fat, blood vessels, cartilage, tendons, and nerves.
Because connective tissue is found throughout the entire body, sarcomas can develop virtually anywhere — from the limbs and trunk to the abdomen, chest, and head and neck. This makes sarcoma uniquely challenging to diagnose and treat.
Sarcoma accounts for approximately 1% of all adult cancers and 15–20% of childhood cancers.
Myxofibrosarcoma
Myxofibrosarcoma is a type of cancer that begins in the connective tissue. It tends to happen in the arms and legs.
Myxofibrosarcoma starts as a growth of cells that can grow into healthy body tissue. Myxofibrosarcoma might cause a lump under the skin that grows slowly. It often isn't painful. This cancer happens most often in older adults.
Myxofibrosarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma. Soft tissue sarcomas are cancers that happen in the soft tissues that connect, support and surround other body structures.
Myxofibrosarcoma most commonly affects older adults and is frequently found in the arms and legs as a slow-growing lump under the skin.
Types of Sarcoma
There are more than 50 distinct subtypes of sarcoma, broadly divided into two main categories.
Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Develop in muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and the lining of joints. They can occur anywhere in the body but are most common in the arms, legs, and abdomen.
Bone Sarcomas
Originate in the bones themselves. They are less common than soft tissue sarcomas and are more frequently diagnosed in children, teenagers, and young adults.
Signs & Symptoms
Sarcoma symptoms vary depending on location and type. Because many symptoms mimic benign conditions, sarcoma is frequently misdiagnosed.
Painless lump or swelling
A new or growing lump, especially one larger than a golf ball, that may or may not be painful.
Bone pain
Persistent or worsening pain in a bone, particularly at night or during activity, not explained by injury.
Unexplained fracture
A bone that breaks with minimal or no trauma may indicate an underlying bone sarcoma.
Abdominal pain or fullness
Sarcomas in the abdomen may cause pain, bloating, or a feeling of fullness.
Limited range of motion
A tumor near a joint may restrict movement or cause stiffness.
Fatigue or unexplained weight loss
General symptoms that may accompany many cancers, including sarcoma.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Early and accurate diagnosis is critical. Sarcoma should be evaluated and treated at a specialized sarcoma center whenever possible.
01
Imaging
MRI, CT scans, X-rays, and PET scans are used to visualize the tumor, assess its size, and determine whether it has spread.
02
Biopsy
A tissue sample is taken and analyzed by a pathologist. It is critical that biopsy be performed by an experienced sarcoma surgeon to avoid compromising future treatment.
03
Staging
Staging determines how advanced the cancer is and guides treatment decisions. Sarcoma staging considers tumor size, grade, and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
04
Treatment
Treatment typically involves surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy — often in combination. A multidisciplinary team at a sarcoma center provides the best outcomes.
Up to 50%
of sarcoma patients are initially misdiagnosed
Why Awareness Matters
Because sarcoma is rare, many primary care physicians and even some oncologists have limited experience with it. Patients are often misdiagnosed with benign conditions — sprains, cysts, or growing pains — for months or even years before receiving an accurate diagnosis.
Raising awareness among the public and medical community leads to earlier referrals to sarcoma specialists, faster diagnosis, and significantly better outcomes. That is why the work of Sarcoma Awareness of New England, INC. is so vital.
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