Understanding bone and soft tissue cancers

Bone and soft tissue cancers are a rare but diverse group of cancers that form in the connective or structural tissues of the body — including the bones, muscles, tendons, fat, blood vessels and nerves. These cancers may occur anywhere in the body, but they most often appear in the arms, legs, chest, abdomen or pelvis.

Many people who search for information on “bone cancer” are actually seeking information about cancers that started elsewhere and spread (metastasized) to the bone. If you’re looking for information on bone metastases, please refer to our metastatic cancer care resources page.

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This page is focused on primary bone and soft tissue malignancies, such as sarcoma. For rare tumors like sarcoma, early expert intervention is key.

At Endeavor Health, our cancer specialists have experience diagnosing and treating these complex cancers using a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach. We offer the latest surgical and nonsurgical therapies, precision diagnostics, clinical trials and support services to deliver truly personalized care.

Types of bone and soft tissue cancers

Bone sarcomas

These are primary cancers that start in the bone itself. The three most common types include:

Soft tissue sarcomas

There are over 100 subtypes of soft tissue sarcoma. These tumors arise from connective tissue such as muscle, fat, nerves, or blood vessels. Common examples include:

  • Liposarcoma
  • Leiomyosarcoma
  • Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma
  • Synovial sarcoma
  • Angiosarcoma
  • Many other subtypes based on cell of origin

Note: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), while often discussed with sarcomas, are considered the most common gastrointestinal sarcoma and are biologically distinct.

Tests and screenings

Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for bone and soft tissue cancers. Endeavor Health uses advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate the tumor and create a personalized treatment plan for you.

Diagnostic tests may include:

  • Imaging (MRI, CT, PET scans)
  • Expert-guided biopsy
  • Genetic and molecular profiling
  • Bone scan or chest CT to detect metastasis

Soft tissue sarcoma

Sarcoma refers to a broad category of rare cancers that develop in soft tissues or bones. It includes dozens of subtypes and can occur almost anywhere in the body. Soft tissue sarcomas occur outside of the bones (see osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma below).

Learn more about sarcoma

  • A painless lump or swelling
  • Persistent pain in a bone or joint
  • Limited range of motion
  • Fatigue or weight loss
  • Bleeding (if tumors affect internal organs)
  • MRI or CT imaging to locate the tumor
  • Biopsy by a sarcoma specialist
  • Molecular and genetic testing to guide treatment
  • PET scan or chest CT to check for spread
  • Surgery (often limb-sparing)
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted therapies
  • Immunotherapy

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer and typically affects children and young adults. It usually starts in the long bones of the arms or legs.

  • Localized bone pain (especially at night or with activity)
  • Swelling near a joint
  • Limping or limited mobility
  • Bone fractures with minor injury
  • X-ray and MRI to evaluate the affected bone
  • Bone biopsy for definitive diagnosis
  • Chest CT to assess for lung metastasis
     
  • Chemotherapy before and after surgery
  • Limb-sparing or reconstructive surgery
  • Physical therapy during recovery

Chondrosarcoma

Chondrosarcoma starts in cartilage cells, often in the pelvis, thigh or shoulder. It’s more common in adults and tends to grow slowly.

  • Dull, persistent pain
  • A firm mass or swelling
  • Limited range of motion if near a joint
  • Imaging tests (X-ray, CT, MRI)
  • Biopsy for confirmation
  • Bone scan to detect spread
  • Surgical removal of the tumor
  • Reconstruction, if needed
  • Radiation therapy in select cases

Ewing sarcoma

Ewing sarcoma is a rare cancer found in bone or soft tissue, often affecting children, teens and young adults.

  • Pain or swelling, often in the legs or pelvis
  • Fever or fatigue
  • Lump or mass that feels warm
  • Bone fractures
  • Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)
  • Bone marrow biopsy
  • Genetic testing for EWSR1 gene changes
  • PET scan to assess spread
     
  • Chemotherapy
  • Surgery to remove the tumor
  • Radiation therapy if surgery isn’t possible

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)

GISTs are soft tissue sarcomas that develop in the digestive tract, most commonly the stomach or small intestine.

  • Abdominal pain or bloating
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Feeling full after eating small amounts
  • Endoscopy or imaging (CT, MRI)
  • Biopsy of the tumor
  • Genetic testing for KIT or PDGFRA and other mutations
     
  • Targeted therapy (e.g., imatinib/Gleevec®)
  • Surgery to remove the tumor
  • Monitoring for recurrence

Why choose Endeavor Health?

At Endeavor Health, we combine rare cancer expertise with advanced diagnostics, innovative treatment options and whole-person support — all centered around you.

Our cancer specialists have extensive experience treating rare tumors — including those seen in only a few hundred patients nationwide.

Each patient is reviewed by a panel of experts including surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and genetic counselors.

We offer minimally invasive surgery, limb-sparing techniques, isolated limb perfusion and plastic reconstruction when needed.

You benefit from nurse navigation, nutrition counseling, rehabilitation, survivorship planning, financial advocacy and more.

Bone and soft tissue cancers FAQ

A new lump, swelling or unexplained bone pain that doesn’t go away should be evaluated by your doctor.

Diagnosis typically includes imaging and a biopsy, followed by molecular and genomic testing to guide treatment.

Many bone and soft tissue cancers are curable, especially when diagnosed early and treated by a specialized team.

Not always. Some patients receive chemotherapy or radiation before or instead of surgery.

We bring together rare cancer expertise, advanced diagnostics, leading-edge treatments and whole-person support — all in one integrated system.

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Clinical trials & research

Endeavor Health offers access to clinical trials focused on rare bone and soft tissue cancers, giving you the opportunity to try innovative treatments before they’re widely available.

Learn more about clinical trials

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If you’ve been diagnosed with a bone or soft tissue tumor, or are seeking a second opinion, our specialists are here to help.

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