Sarcoma is a cancerous tumor that originates in the connective tissue, such as bones, fat, cartilage, and vascular. Did you know there are as many as 50 types of sarcoma? Most of them develop in the soft tissues that are also among the most common types of sarcoma. Here, we will talk about different types of sarcoma to help create awareness.

Soft tissue sarcoma

Soft tissue is a type of tissue that supports, connects, or surrounds other structures of the body. It includes muscles, fat, fibrous tissue, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. Cancerous tumors that develop in these tissues are known as soft tissue sarcoma. There are different types of soft tissue sarcoma, but they usually have similar treatments and are treated the same way.

Some common types include:

1. Pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma

It is an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma most commonly found in people over the age of 50.

2. Liposarcoma

It is a cancerous tumor that develops from fat cells, most commonly in the abdomen area or the limbs.

3. Leiomyosarcoma

This muscle tumor originates in the uterus, thighs, and abdomen.

4. Angiosarcoma

This malign tumor grows in the lymphatic vessels or the blood vessels. Angiosarcoma may occur in people who have undergone radiation therapy. However, the signs of it may not show up for up to a decade!

5. Fibroblastic sarcoma

This tumor grows in the body’s fibrous tissues, especially in the trunk, legs, and arms.

6. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor

It is one of the most common types of sarcoma of the soft tissue. It usually grows in the patient’s digestive tract and is more commonly found in people over 50.

7. Rhabdomyosarcoma

It is an aggressive and malignant soft tissue sarcoma. It can occur at any age; however, it is commonly found in children. It usually develops in their skeletal muscles.

8. Synovial sarcoma

It is a common type of sarcoma found in teens and young adults that develops in cells around their tendons and joints.

Non-soft tissue sarcoma

These types of sarcomas occur in the bones. Here are the most common types of non-soft tissue sarcomas:

1. Osteosarcoma 

This primary bone cancer usually occurs around the knees and the ends of the long bones. It usually occurs in children and young adults at the time of their growth spurt. If undetected, it can rapidly progress to the lungs and other bones.

2. Ewing’s sarcoma

This sarcoma develops in the chest wall, pelvis, and middle of long bones. It can also grow in the soft tissues surrounding the bone. Ewing’s sarcoma can occur at any age but is common among children and teenagers.

Due to sarcoma’s multiple types and subtypes, one must get their treatment and diagnosis from a reputed hospital. Once the diagnosis has been successfully made, the multi-specialty team should offer treatment options suitable for the patient’s requirements.