Key Statistics for Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Learn about key statistics for soft tissue sarcomas, including how common they are and who is most affected.

How common are soft tissue sarcomas?

The American Cancer Society's estimates for soft tissue sarcomas in the United States for 2026 are:

• About 13,910 new soft tissue sarcomas will be diagnosed (7,840 in males and 6,070 in females).
• About 5,400 people (2,960 males and 2,440 females) are expected to die of soft tissue sarcomas.

These statistics include both adults and children.

Which soft tissue sarcomas are most common?

The most common types of sarcoma in adults are:

• Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (previously called malignant fibrous histiocytoma)
• Liposarcoma
• Leiomyosarcoma

Certain types occur more often in certain parts of the body more often than others. For example, leiomyosarcomas are the most common type of sarcoma found in the abdomen, while liposarcomas and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas are most common in legs.

Doctors may not always agree on the exact type of sarcoma. Sarcomas of uncertain type are very common.

Visit the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Statistics Center for more key statistics.