Most Common Soft Tissue Tumour

Soft tissue sarcomas can arise in fat, muscle, connective tissue, blood vessels, or other supporting tissues. They may occur in an arm, leg, trunk, abdomen, or another area. A lump can be harmless or related to another condition, so its presence does not establish sarcoma. Features such as growth, depth, firmness, and position guide the choice of imaging and specialist review. A biopsy may be needed to identify the exact tumour type and grade.

Arrange a medical review for a lump that is enlarging, deep, firm, fixed, or still present after a short period. Do not repeatedly press or attempt to remove it. Imaging can define its relationship to nearby structures, while a planned biopsy helps avoid disrupting later surgery. Treatment may involve tumour removal surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination selected for the tumour's type, site, size, and grade.

Contact a clinician promptly for a lump that is changing or causing persistent pain, weakness, swelling, or restricted movement. Seek urgent care for severe new pain, rapidly increasing swelling, bleeding, or symptoms caused by pressure on the airway, bowel, or bladder. Urgency depends on the affected body area and symptoms, not on assuming that a lump is cancer.

What tissue might the lump involve? Which scan is appropriate? Should the biopsy be planned by the specialist team? What tumour features will guide treatment? How could treatment affect movement or nearby organs?