Sarcomas are cancerous tumors that develop in connective tissues. It describes parts of the body, including connective tissue, fat, bones, muscles, nerves, and cartilage. There are two main groups of sarcomas, further subdivided by specific features:

1- Soft tissue sarcomas

2- Bone sarcomas. 

Sarcomas can develop in adults but are more common in children. 

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Signs / Symptoms

Sarcoma symptoms are not usually seen in the early stages of cancer. Typical symptoms include:

• Pain if a tumor presses on nerves or muscles

• A visible lump or swelling

• Obstruction in the stomach or intestines or gastrointestinal bleeding (if the tumor is in the abdomen / digestive tract)

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Diagnosis

When diagnosing a sarcoma, a doctor will likely complete a physical exam and various imaging tests, including x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). A doctor may also choose to do a biopsy, taking an area of affected tissue to examine for cancer.

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Treatment

When using proton therapy, doctors can aggressively treat tumors with high-dose protons while sparing surrounding tissue. As protons enter the body at the targeted point and then stop, removing the exit dose, the sensitive tissue usually surrounding the sarcoma will receive less secondary radiation.