Sarcoma is a type of cancer that can occur in various locations in the body, including the bones and soft tissues. It is a rare kind of cancer that grows in connective tissue, which includes bone, muscle, fat, nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels, or deep skin tissues. Sarcomas can be grouped into two main kinds: soft tissue sarcoma and bone sarcoma, or osteosarcoma. Soft tissue sarcomas can develop in soft tissues like fat, muscle, nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels, or deep skin tissues, and they can be found in any part of the body. Bone sarcomas, on the other hand, develop in the bones.

Sarcomas form when immature bone or soft tissue cells have changes to their DNA, and they develop into cancer cells that grow in an unregulated way. They may eventually form a mass or tumor that can invade nearby healthy tissues. Left untreated, the cancer can travel via the bloodstream or lymphatic system from the primary location where it formed to other organs (metastasis) .

Symptoms of sarcoma vary depending on where the tumor is located, but they may include a lump that can be felt through the skin, bone pain, a broken bone that happens unexpectedly, abdominal pain, and weight loss. However, most often, these symptoms are not caused by sarcoma. If they persist and no other condition explains them, it is important to talk with a doctor.

It is not clear what causes most sarcomas, but certain factors may raise the risk of developing sarcoma, including exposure to chemicals, radiation, and certain genetic disorders. Treatment for sarcoma usually involves surgery, and other treatments might include radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The treatment options and prognosis depend on multiple factors that a healthcare provider can explain to the patient.