5 early symptoms of Sarcoma Cancer that affects the bones, muscles and blood vessels

Although rare, Sarcoma is a major kind of cancer that develops in the body's connective tissues, such as bone, cartilage, muscle, fat, and blood vessels. Not a single disease per se, Sarcoma is a broad term encompassing various cancers with over 70 subtypes. Sarcomas are broadly categorized into bone sarcomas (affecting bones) and soft tissue sarcomas (affecting tissues like muscles, fat, etc.). This Cancer represents less than 1% of all adult cancers, but can affect both kids and adults. The symptoms of this form of cancer can be extremely confusing, as it can be brushed apart as regular pains and ageing joints. However, here are 5 early signs of these cancers that you should not miss, since quick detection is important for treatment...

One of the most common early signs of sarcoma is a painless lump or swelling in the soft tissues or bones. This lump may grow slowly over time and is often firm to touch, which means that it does not move much by a finger. Because it usually doesn’t hurt at first, many people ignore it or mistake it for a harmless bump or muscle knot. The lump might be under the skin, usually with uneven edges. It can vary in size but tends to grow larger as the sarcoma develops. If the lump starts to press on nearby nerves or muscles, it may become painful later, but is usually painless at first. If you find a lump that is growing, firm, and painless, it’s important to get it checked out.

Sarcomas that start in the bones, like osteosarcoma, often cause pain in the affected bone or limb. This pain may come and go at first (over weeks/months) and can be worse at night. It can feel like a deep ache or soreness, and may be mistaken for growing pains in children or teens, or for injury-related pain in older adults, or even arthritis. Over time, the pain tends to become more constant and severe.

As the tumor grows, it can cause swelling around the lump or bone. This swelling may make it harder to move the nearby joint or limb. You might notice stiffness or difficulty bending or straightening a joint. Walking or using the affected limb can become painful or limited. Sometimes, the swelling can feel warm or tender. If you experience swelling near a lump or persistent joint stiffness, it’s a warning sign that needs medical attention.

Although less specific, unexplained weight loss and feeling very tired can be early signs of sarcoma as the cancer affects the body’s overall health. You might lose weight without trying or notice a loss of appetite. Fatigue or weakness can occur even with normal rest. These symptoms often appear as the sarcoma progresses, but can sometimes be early clues. If weight loss and fatigue happen along with other symptoms like lumps or pain, it’s important to consult an oncologist.

Some sarcomas develop deep inside the body, such as in the abdomen or chest. These may not cause lumps you can feel, but can cause other symptoms like:

Abdominal pain or a feeling of fullness

Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or bloody stools

Shortness of breath or chest pain if the sarcoma is near the lungs

Because these symptoms can be caused by many conditions, sarcoma may not be the first doubt. Persistent or unusual symptoms however, should be evaluated by a doctor.

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional if you experience any of these symptoms

Sarcoma cancer is considered dangerous due to several factors. Firstly, it is an aggressive type of cancer that develops in the body's connective tissues, such as bone, muscle, fat, nerves, and blood vessels. While rare, accounting for less than 1% of adult cancers, sarcomas are prone to rapid growth and have a high tendency to metastasize, meaning they can spread quickly to other parts of the body, particularly the lungs. This spread makes the cancer much harder to treat and significantly reduces survival rates.