On this page, you’ll find information about the symptoms of sarcoma, when to see your GP, what may happen if you’re referred for tests, and what to do if your symptoms continue.
Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that can start in bones or soft tissues, such as muscle, fat, nerves and blood vessels.
There are many different types of sarcoma. Find out more about the different types of sarcoma.
Symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma
Soft tissue sarcoma can start anywhere in the body. It can cause a lump or swelling, but you may also have other symptoms depending on where it starts.
You may notice:
- a lump or swelling of any size that is getting bigger or changing
- a lump larger than 5 cm (about the size of a golf ball)
- a lump that feels deep under the skin
- a lump that feels hard or does not move easily
- pain from a lump or swelling.
If a soft tissue sarcoma starts in your tummy area, you may also:
- have tummy pain or swelling
- feel full after eating only a small amount
- feel sick or lose your appetite
- have blood in your poo or vomit.
Symptoms of bone sarcoma
Bone sarcoma can start in any bone in the body. The most common symptoms are pain and swelling.
You may notice:
- pain in or around a bone
- pain that gets worse at night
- pain that does not go away or keeps coming back
- swelling or a lump over a bone or joint
- changes in how a joint moves or works normally
- a broken bone without a clear cause.
What do these symptoms mean?
These symptoms can have many other causes and do not mean you have sarcoma. If you have symptoms that are new, changing or do not go away, see your GP.
If your symptoms continue, get worse or change, speak to your GP again, even if you have already been checked.
I’m worried I might have sarcoma. What should I do?
If you are worried about a lump, pain or another symptom, make an appointment with your GP.
Before your appointment, it may help to write down:
- when your symptoms started
- any changes you have noticed
- whether your symptoms are getting worse
- anything else you are worried about.
If you have a lump, it can help to keep track of any changes while you are waiting for an appointment. Your GP may tell you to keep monitoring your lump for changes after an appointment. We have more information about measuring and tracking your lump.
Questions you may want to ask your GP
It can be helpful to think about what you want to ask before your appointment. You could ask:
- What do you think is causing my symptoms?
- Do I need any tests?
- What will the tests involve?
- Should I be referred to a specialist?
- What should I expect to happen next?
- What should I do if my symptoms continue or get worse?
It’s okay to ask questions if you’re worried or do not understand something. If your symptoms change or do not go away, make another appointment with your GP.
Jess’s Rule
If you have seen your GP 3 times about the same symptoms, Jess’s Rule asks your GP to stop and think again. The rule means they should look at your symptoms again and consider whether you need more tests or to see a specialist. This is especially important if your symptoms are getting worse or have not been explained.
Jess’s Rule is an NHS England initiative, so it currently applies in England. It has not yet been introduced as a national initiative in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Find out more about Jess’s Rule on the NHS website.
What happens if your GP refers you?
If your GP thinks your symptoms need more investigation, they will refer you for tests.
The tests you have will depend on your symptoms. Your GP may arrange an ultrasound or X-ray first. If needed, they may refer you to a specialist sarcoma centre for more tests, such as an MRI scan or a biopsy.
If you are referred, it does not mean that you have sarcoma. It means you need further tests to find out what the lump is. We have more information about what happens when you’re referred.
Referral timelines
If your GP refers you using an urgent suspected cancer pathway, this is designed to help you get checked quickly.
In England, the NHS aims to give you a diagnosis or rule out cancer within 28 days of getting the referral. You may have your first appointment or tests sooner.
Referral times can be different for children and young people. If a doctor thinks a child or young person may have bone or soft tissue sarcoma, they may need to be seen very quickly. In some cases, national guidance says they should be seen within 48 hours.
Timescales can be different across the UK, and local referral pathways may vary.
I haven’t been referred for tests
If your GP has not referred you for tests, they may think your symptoms are more likely to have another cause. They may also want to see whether your symptoms change over time.
If your symptoms continue, get worse or change, speak to your GP again. This is important even if you have already been checked.
Contact your GP again if:
- a lump gets bigger or changes
- a lump does not go away
- pain gets worse, does not go away or keeps coming back
- you notice new symptoms
- you are still worried about your symptoms.
Taking photos or measuring a lump can help you show your GP what has changed.
More support
If you’re worried about your symptoms or have questions about sarcoma, our Support Line team are here for you. You do not need to have a diagnosis to contact us.
Call 0808 801 0401, Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm.
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Last reviewed 2023 | Next review due : This information is currently under review.
All references are available upon request. Please email info@sarcoma.org.uk
