Sarcoma is a rare cancer originating in the body’s connective tissues, such as muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, bones, and cartilage. These tissues provide support and structure throughout the body. Sarcomas can develop in various locations, and understanding their physical characteristics is important for early recognition.
Common Physical Features
Sarcoma often initially presents as a noticeable lump or swelling that can be felt through the skin. Many sarcomas are painless in their early stages, which can sometimes delay detection.
Sarcoma lumps are often firm or rubbery to the touch. They may feel deep-seated within the tissue, not easily moved under the skin. These lumps often grow steadily, becoming noticeably larger over weeks or months. Sarcomas are frequently around 10 centimeters at diagnosis.
How Appearance Varies by Type and Location
Sarcoma appearance differs significantly based on its type and location. Soft tissue sarcomas often appear as a visible lump in the arms, legs, or torso. If deep within the body, such as in the abdomen, they might only cause vague swelling or pressure. These deeper tumors may not cause symptoms until they grow large enough to press on surrounding nerves, muscles, or organs, potentially leading to a feeling of fullness or restricted movement.
Liposarcomas, which develop from fat tissue, may feel like soft lumps. In contrast, leiomyosarcomas, arising from smooth muscle, can present as a firm bump just under the skin that may become painful. Bone sarcomas often manifest with bone pain, which can be persistent or worsen at night, before a visible lump appears. Swelling around the affected bone is a common sign, and in some instances, a bone sarcoma can cause a bone to break without significant injury.
Skin changes can occur as a sarcoma lump grows, including discoloration like redness or bruising, or the skin appearing shiny or puckered. In some cases, with rapid tumor growth or tissue damage, the overlying skin might ulcerate. Kaposi sarcoma typically presents as purplish, reddish, or brownish spots on the skin that do not lose their color when pressed, unlike a bruise.
Signs of Concern and When to Seek Medical Advice
Recognizing certain characteristics of a lump or swelling helps determine when medical attention is warranted. Any new or unexplained lump or swelling should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Specific features prompting medical consultation include a lump growing in size or larger than 5 centimeters (approximately the size of a golf ball). A lump that feels firm to the touch and is fixed in place, rather than easily movable, is also a concerning sign. While many sarcomas start painlessly, any lump that becomes painful or tender should be investigated.
If a lump was previously removed and has reappeared in the same area, it necessitates medical review. Other symptoms, depending on the sarcoma’s location, can include persistent abdominal pain, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, or difficulty with movement. Consult a healthcare professional for any persistent symptoms, especially if they last more than two weeks.