- Sarcoma is an aggressive but less recognised cancer affecting connective tissues like nerves, bones, and fat cells, with around 5,300 diagnoses annually in the UK.
- Public awareness of sarcoma remains low due to its relative rarity and less descriptive name compared to more common cancers.
- Key symptoms include a growing or changing lump for soft tissue sarcomas, persistent bone pain for bone sarcomas, and subtle signs like bloating or internal bleeding for GISTs.
- Diagnosis typically involves imaging such as ultrasound, X-ray, and MRI, followed by a crucial biopsy to determine the specific subtype for effective treatment planning.
- The primary treatment for sarcoma is surgery to remove the tumor, often combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, with early diagnosis significantly improving patient outcomes.
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