Sarcoma Awareness Month is held every July to raise public awareness and understanding of Sarcoma, which is one of the most overlooked forms of cancer. Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in bone or soft tissue, and the symptoms are often mistaken for sports injuries or benign conditions, which can lead to diagnosis being delayed.
What Is Sarcoma?
Sarcoma is a group of cancers that can appear anywhere in the body, in bone or soft tissue. There are over 100 types of sarcoma, and the most common symptom is a lump that is growing or changing.
Around 15 people are diagnosed with sarcoma every day in the UK, and around 4,300 of these have soft tissue sarcoma. Bone sarcomas are much rarer.
Sarcoma accounts for only 1% of adult cancers but is the third most common cancer in children.
It is not fully understood why sarcomas happen and research is ongoing. Some of the factors that increase the risk of sarcoma include:
- Age.
- Genetic conditions that increase the risk of sarcoma, including neurofibromatosis.
- Previous radiotherapy treatment.
- Exposure to toxic chemicals.
- Bone conditions including Paget’s Disease.
What Are The Symptoms Of Sarcoma?
Sarcoma symptoms can be subtle and can vary depending on where the tumour develops. Sarcomas often grow silently, so they may not cause noticeable issues for some time. Common signs include:
- A lump or swelling that:
- Is getting bigger over time.
- Measures more than 5cm (about the size of a golf ball).
- Feels painful or tender (though it may be painless).
- Unexplained pain or discomfort, especially in the limbs or abdomen.
- Changes in skin texture or colour, such as a firm, slightly raised patch that appears purplish or reddish.
- Digestive issues like constipation, vomiting, or abdominal swelling (if the sarcoma is in the tummy).
- Breathlessness or persistent cough (if sarcoma is located in the lungs).
- Unusual bleeding, fatigue, or symptoms of anaemia (in gastrointestinal or gynaecological sarcomas).
These symptoms can often be mistaken for more common conditions, which is why awareness of sarcoma and seeking timely medical advice are essential. If you are concerned about any of the above symptoms, make an appointment to see your GP.
Treatment for sarcoma often starts with surgery. Depending on the type of sarcoma and the stage of the disease, people may also have chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with sarcoma, you can seek advice and support from Sarcoma UK – The Bone and Soft Tissue Cancer Charity. Click here to visit their website.
What Is The Impact Of A Delay In Diagnosis Of Sarcoma?
Many sarcoma patients report long delays in diagnosis due to misinterpretation of symptoms, ignoring reports of persistent symptoms, or failure to refer for further investigations.
A delay in diagnosis can result in:
- Advanced progression of the disease.
- Limited treatment options.
- Reduced survival rates.
- Emotional and financial hardship.
If you have suffered a delay in diagnosis of sarcoma, you may have a medical negligence claim for compensation.
Quote from Gemma Lewis, Partner and Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitor from MDS, said “While Sarcoma may be one of the rarer forms of cancer seen in the UK, awareness of symptoms is vital to make sure that people are diagnosed as soon as possible. Early diagnosis of any cancer can vastly improve the outcome for patients and their families. Sarcoma Awareness Month promotes awareness of this condition and will hopefully mean that for someone, the disease is caught early.”
MDS is a specialist medical negligence law firm. We specialise in claims involving cancer, maternity, and cauda equina syndrome. Our expert solicitors represent clients all around England and Wales, and we are dedicated to helping people who have been injured by medical negligence.
Our solicitors have extensive experience of representing clients and their families whose lives have been affected by a delay in diagnosis of sarcoma and other cancers. Click here to read more about how we can help you, and here to read our clients’ stories.
If you are concerned about any care that you or a member of your family has received, please contact our experienced team on 0116 254 7456 or email: enquiries@moosaduke.com. You can also enquire online by clicking here.
