Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is one of the most common types of sarcoma. On this page, we have information about UPS, how it’s treated, and life after treatment finishes.
What is UPS?
UPS is a type of sarcoma cancer that can appear anywhere in the body. It can happen at any age, but it is more common in older people.
Doctors do not know exactly what causes UPS. In some cases, UPS can happen if you have had radiotherapy treatment in the past.
Researchers are still trying to understand what causes UPS.
Symptoms of UPS
Symptoms of UPS depend on the size and location of the tumour. You might have a painless lump or swelling that is growing. If the lump has grown bigger, it may become painful if it starts pressing on nerves.
Diagnosing UPS
A specialist doctor will diagnose UPS through a series of tests. These may include:
- a physical examination to look at and feel the lump
- a scan to take pictures of the inside of the body
- a biopsy to remove and test a small sample of the tumour.
UPS is diagnosed when the sarcoma does not match any other subtype. This is where the word ‘undifferentiated’ comes from.
We have more information about the types of scans and tests you might have for UPS.
Treating UPS
Surgery for UPS
The main treatment method for UPS is surgery. The surgeon will remove the tumour and will aim to take out an area of healthy tissue around it. This is known as taking a margin. The aim is to remove all the cancer.
When UPS affects the arms and legs, surgeons will do limb-sparing surgery so that the limb can continue to work well. Limb sparing surgery involves rebuilding the limb with a:
- metal implant (prosthesis)
- bone graft from another part of your body or from someone else.
In very rare cases the cancer may spread throughout the limb. If this happens, surgeons may need to perform a part or full amputation to help stop the cancer.
Radiotherapy for UPS
Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells, and it can be used before or after surgery.
It can be given:
- before surgery to make the tumour smaller so that it’s easier to remove
- after surgery to kill off any remaining cancer cells.
Chemotherapy for UPS
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells.
You might have this if:
- there is a high risk of the cancer coming back or
- cancer has spread to other parts of the body, also known as metastasis.
Targeted and immunotherapies for UPS
Targeted therapy is a treatment that targets specific characteristics within cancer cells to stop them from growing and spreading.
Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps a person’s own immune system to fight and kill cancer cells.
There have been positive results in early clinical trials that have used targeted therapies and immunotherapies for UPS. More research and trials are needed before these treatments are approved.
Clinical Trials for UPS
Visit our Clinical Trials Hub for UK-based clinical trials.
After treatment
Follow-up appointments
After treatment, you will have regular follow-up appointments for several years. You should get a follow-up schedule from your sarcoma clinical nurse specialist or key worker.
Follow-up will usually include:
- a chance to discuss symptoms
- examinations to look for any signs of UPS returning
- scans such as CT or MRI scans
- chest X-rays to rule out secondary cancer in the lungs.
Recurrence
UPS can reappear in the same area after treatment, sometimes many years after. This is called a local recurrence.
UPS can also come back in other parts of the body. This is called metastasis or secondary cancer. In UPS, secondary cancers may appear in the:
- lungs
- bones
- lymph nodes.
It is useful to check for recurrences yourself through self-examination. Your doctor or sarcoma clinical nurse specialist can tell you what to look for. If you’re worried, your doctor or nurse may bring forward the date of your follow-up appointment to investigate your concerns.
If your sarcoma comes back, you should be treated as quickly as possible.
Living with UPS
Living with UPS can be hard. We have support to help you with your mental health, physical health, and we also have information about financial support. No matter what you’re worried about, we’re here to support you.
If you have any more questions about UPS, or if you need to talk to someone, our Support Line team are here for you.
More support
Call the Support Line
The Sarcoma UK Support Line is here for every person affected by sarcoma. Get in touch for friendly, expert, confidential and free advice on anything to do with sarcoma.
Join a support group
There are a number of sarcoma support groups across the UK. We have more information about support groups available online and in your local area.
Support from other charities
- Maggie’s: Maggie’s is a charity that offers advice and support for adults and young people living with cancer.
- Penny Brohn: Penny Brohn has a lot of support for people who have just been diagnosed or are living with cancer. This includes resources, online sessions, and counselling.
- Shine Cancer Support: Shine Cancer Support is a charity connecting people with cancer experience through online programmes and in-person support groups. They support people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
- Macmillan: Macmillan Cancer Support has a lot of information about cancer diagnosis, treatment, and after treatment.
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Last reviewed August 2026 | Next review due August 2029
All references are available upon request. Please email info@sarcoma.org.uk
