Diagnosing a Sarcoma

Sarcomas usually present as a lump.

Soft Tissue Sarcomas should be suspected in any lump which is;

• Greater than 5 cm in diameter
• Growing
• Painful
• Deep to the fascia (not easily moved from side to side or up and down)

Over half (55%) of sarcomas are found in the limbs; most in the lower limb

Nearly a third (30%) develop within the abdomen

The remaining (15%) tumours are found on the trunk and in the head & neck region.

Anyone suspected of having a sarcoma should be referred to a sarcoma specialist for investigation and management