Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Diagnosis

Patients often discover soft tissue sarcoma as a lump or hard mass. They often have no pain or other symptoms. A doctor should examine any lump or mass that does not go away within a few days.

Specialists use imaging studies such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the suspected tumor. Other imaging techniques that may be used include a chest CT, a bone scan and positron emission tomography (PET). These images are helpful in evaluating areas to which cancer commonly spreads (metastasizes).

To diagnose soft tissue sarcoma, the doctor removes a small piece of the suspected tumor for examination (biopsy). A pathologist looks at the cells under a microscope to confirm their type.