Sarcoma Signs and Symptoms

Sarcomas can grow for months or even years before causing noticeable symptoms. Because these tumors develop in the body’s connective tissues – like muscle, bone, or fat – they have room to expand before pressing on nearby organs, nerves, or muscles. Symptoms like pain and discomfort only occur once these tumors are large enough to press against the nerves or muscles.  

If you notice a new lump, swelling, or persistent pain that doesn’t go away, it’s important to see a doctor. The earlier you catch the tumor, the better your chances are of curing the sarcoma through treatment.

What are the signs and symptoms of sarcoma?

Signs and symptoms of sarcoma can vary depending on where the tumor starts and how large it is. Some sarcomas may not cause any symptoms at all, while others can lead to pain, swelling, or other changes in the body.

Common symptoms include:

• A lump or swelling that may or may not be painful 
• Pain, soreness, or a feeling of pressure in a muscle, bone, or joint 
• Limited movement or stiffness in a nearby limb or joint 
• A bone that breaks without a clear cause or from a minor injury 
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue 
• Abdominal or pelvic pain, bloating, or a feeling of fullness 
• Numbness, tingling, or leg swelling if a tumor presses on nerves or veins 
• Fever or warmth in the area of a growing tumor

Different types of sarcomas can cause different symptoms.

• Bone sarcomas often lead to pain or swelling in arms, legs or the back, sometimes accompanied by fever or a bone fracture without injury. 
• Soft tissue sarcomas may cause a painless lump or fullness that becomes uncomfortable as the tumor grows or presses on nearby structures.

While these symptoms can be concerning, it is important to remember that most lumps and pains are not cancer. Common benign growths, such as lipomas, are made of normal fat cells and are not dangerous but should still be checked by a doctor.

Signs to discuss with your doctor

Any new or worsening lumps, areas of swelling and pain - or any of the symptoms described above— should always be checked by a doctor. Even though sarcomas are rare, it is always safest to have new or persistent symptoms evaluated by a healthcare professional, particularly at a Comprehensive Cancer Center like Columbia, where doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating these uncommon tumors.