Signs and Symptoms of Soft Tissue Sarcomas
About half of soft tissue sarcomas start in an arm or leg. Most people notice a lump that's grown over time (weeks to months). The lump may or may not hurt.
When sarcomas grow in the back of the abdomen (the retroperitoneum), the symptoms often come from other problems the tumor is causing. For instance, they may cause blockage or bleeding of the stomach or bowels. They can press on nerves, blood vessels, or nearby organs. They can grow large enough for the tumor to be felt in the belly. Sometimes the tumors cause pain. About 4 of 10 sarcomas begin in the abdomen (belly).
In rare cases, sarcomas can start in the chest or in the head or neck. .
If you have any of the these problems, see a doctor right away:
- A new lump or a lump that's growing (anywhere on your body)
- Abdominal pain that's getting worse
- Blood in your stool or vomit
- Black, tarry stools (when bleeding happens in the stomach or bowels, the blood can turn black as it's digested, and it might make the stool very black and sticky)
These symptoms are more often caused by things other than sarcoma, but they still need to be checked out by a doctor.
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American Society of Clinical Oncology. Sarcoma, Soft Tissue: Symptoms and Signs. 08/2017. Accessed at www.cancer.net/cancer-types/sarcoma-soft-tissue/symptoms-and-signs on March 29, 2018.
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Last Medical Review: April 6, 2018 Last Revised: April 6, 2018
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