Sarcomas are usually found by a patient when a lump appears on the leg, arm or trunk.
They can also be found during an investigation of other symptoms or during a routine operation.
The earlier sarcoma is diagnosed the better the chances of successful treatment.
A specialist doctor will diagnose sarcoma through a series of tests. You might have a:
- Clinical examination – looking at and feeling any lump
- Scan – taking pictures of the inside of the body using scans such as ultrasounds, x-rays, CT, EUS, PET or MRI scans
- Biopsy – taking and testing a tissue sample
- Bone scan – to investigate bone sarcomas
In some cases, your healthcare professional might recommend genomic testing. These tests can help to confirm your diagnosis and identify the most appropriate treatments for you.