Soft tissue sarcoma

If you’re affected by soft tissue sarcoma, you may have many questions about how it is diagnosed, treatment options, side effects and how to stay well. You can find trustworthy information about all aspects of your experience below.

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What is soft tissue sarcoma?

Learn what soft tissue sarcoma is, the different types, how common it is and the risk factors.

Symptoms

Learn about the common symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma and when to see your doctor.

Getting diagnosed

Find out how soft tissue sarcoma is diagnosed and who will provide your care.

Treating soft tissue sarcoma

Learn about the different ways soft tissue sarcoma is treated. Options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy.

Life after treatment

Learn about follow-up care, what happens if the cancer returns, and how to look after your physical and mental health.

Questions for your doctor Asking your doctor questions will help you make an informed choice. You may want to include some of the questions below in your own list.

Diagnosis

What type of soft tissue sarcoma do I have?
What has caused my soft tissue sarcoma?
Is my family more at risk of soft tissue sarcoma?
Have you treated this type of cancer before?
Has the cancer spread?

Treatment and side effects

What is the best type of treatment for my cancer?
Is it possible to have surgery to cure my cancer? If so, which type will I need and why?
Will I need to have any other type of treatment, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy?
How effective is radiation therapy and chemotherapy for my type of sarcoma?
If my cancer has spread outside the area it began, what treatment options are there for me?
What are the possible risks and side effects of my treatment? How will these be managed?

If you are thinking of taking part in a clinical trial, here are some questions you could ask:

What are the possible benefits and risks to me?
What is being tested and why?
How many people will be involved in this trial?
If I cannot get onto a clinical trial can I still pay for a drug that is currently in trial?

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