Sarcomas are uncommon cancers that can affect any part of the body, on the inside or outside.
Signs and symptoms
- A lump which is growing, changing, or bigger than a golf ball
- Swelling, tenderness or pain in or around the bone which may come and go and may be worse at night
- Stomach pain, feeling sick, loss of appetite or feeling full after eating only a small amount of food
- Blood in either your poo or vomit
It is important to remember most lumps and pains are not sarcomas, and this list doesn’t cover everything.
If you have a lump, it’s important to be aware of any changes that may occur, so that you can keep your GP informed of your symptoms.
You can keep an eye on any changes to your lump by measuring it and tracking it.
I’ve been referred
If your GP thinks that there is a chance that you could have a sarcoma, they will refer you for further tests.
For soft-tissue lumps, this should be an urgent ultrasound. For bone lumps or pain, this should be an urgent x-ray.
I’ve not been referred
This means that your GP either doesn’t think that you may have sarcoma, or that they want to see if your symptoms persist or progress over time.
It is important to keep an eye on your symptoms. If you see any changes, such as a lump that is getting bigger, let your GP know. You could take pictures or measurements to show your GP.
My tests are negative/inconclusive but I still have problems
There is a chance your test could be inconclusive even when sarcoma is present. If your symptoms continue, or you see any changes, you should see your GP to be referred for further tests.
