Comprehensive care for sarcoma

Sarcomas are rare cancers that can form in bones or soft tissues like fat, muscle, blood vessels or deep skin tissue. These tumors can appear almost anywhere in the body — most often in the arms, legs, chest, abdomen or head and neck. Because sarcomas are uncommon and complex, expert diagnosis and personalized treatment are essential.

At Endeavor Health, our multidisciplinary team combines deep experience with advanced diagnostics and therapies. We treat all sarcoma subtypes using evidence-based approaches that may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy — always tailored to your needs and goals.

Understanding sarcoma

Sarcoma can affect people of all ages, though it is more common in adults. There are more than 100 types of sarcoma, which are often grouped into two main categories:

  • Soft tissue sarcoma: Develops in muscles, fat, nerves or connective tissue
  • Bone sarcoma (osteosarcoma): Forms in bone, often in younger individuals

Most sarcomas have no known cause, though some are linked to prior radiation treatment or hereditary conditions. Because sarcomas can appear almost anywhere in the body and mimic benign conditions, diagnosis can be challenging.

Sarcoma symptoms

Sarcoma symptoms depend on where the tumor starts. They may include:

  • A growing lump under the skin (may or may not be painful)
  • Persistent pain, often in the bones or joints
  • Swelling in the arms, legs or abdomen
  • Difficulty moving a limb
  • Unexplained bleeding (if tumors occur in the bladder or intestines)

If you notice any persistent swelling, pain or a new lump, talk to your doctor about further evaluation.

Sarcoma tests and screenings

Because sarcomas are rare, early diagnosis relies on awareness and prompt imaging or biopsy when symptoms appear.

MRI and CT scans help define the tumor’s size and location before biopsy or treatment.

Tissue sampling is essential and should be done by a sarcoma specialist. Biopsy technique is critical for effective future surgery.

We use comprehensive genomic profiling to identify tumor-specific mutations and markers. This helps guide treatment decisions — especially for rare or treatment-resistant sarcoma subtypes — and may determine eligibility for targeted therapies or clinical trials.

CT scans of the chest or PET imaging may be used to detect whether cancer has spread.

Sarcoma treatment and therapies

Most sarcomas are treated with surgery to remove the tumor. Our team performs advanced procedures — including limb-sparing surgery to preserve mobility and avoid amputation whenever possible. We also offer reconstructive options in collaboration with our plastic surgeons to restore your function and appearance.

For tumors in challenging locations, such as the abdomen or chest, we use minimally invasive and laparoscopic approaches when appropriate. 

Radiation therapy is often used before or after surgery to shrink tumors or reduce the risk of recurrence. Radiation is also used when surgery isn’t possible or for palliative relief in advanced cases.

We offer advanced technologies, such as external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), all designed to precisely target tumors while sparing healthy tissue.

Chemotherapy plays a key role in many bone sarcomas and some soft tissue sarcomas. It may be used before or after surgery or for advanced-stage disease, and can also be used alongside radiation for preoperative treatment for high grade sarcomas (Eilber/U of C regimen).

Some rare sarcomas respond to drugs that block specific proteins or mutations driving tumor growth.

While not effective for all sarcoma types, immunotherapy may help treat tumors that respond to checkpoint inhibitors or other immune-based treatments.

Why Endeavor Health?

At Endeavor Health, patients with sarcoma receive expert, coordinated care from a team that specializes in treating even the rarest types of cancer.

Our sarcoma team includes surgical oncologists, orthopedic oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and medical oncologists — all collaborating to create your personalized care plan.

We offer advanced sarcoma surgery, including isolated limb techniques and minimally invasive approaches for tumors in the head, neck, chest and abdomen.

Our oncology team has experience treating sarcomas that affect only a few hundred patients nationwide each year, including access to newer therapies.

All sarcoma patients are reviewed in tumor board conferences to ensure you receive expert consensus on your diagnosis and treatment.

Our care doesn’t end with treatment. We provide integrative medicine, nutritional support, financial counseling, social work services and palliative care when needed. You also receive a survivorship care plan and long-term follow-up to monitor for recurrence and support life after cancer.

Care team

Our sarcoma team includes nationally recognized surgical, medical and radiation oncologists — some with leadership roles in regional academic sarcoma programs. You also benefit from the coordinated expertise of genetic counselors, pathologists, physical therapists, dietitians and social workers.

Nurse navigators support you through every stage, providing a direct line to help with scheduling, communication and care coordination.

Find a doctor

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Sarcoma FAQs

A painless lump or swelling, especially in an arm or leg, is a common early sign. Persistent bone or joint pain should also be evaluated.

Diagnosis includes imaging and a biopsy, followed by pathology review. Genetic testing may help determine treatment.

Yes — especially when found early. For advanced cases, a combination of treatments can often control disease and improve quality of life.

Not always. Some tumors are treated with radiation or medication first. The approach depends on sarcoma type, location and stage. But, when possible, most are treated with surgery.

Yes. Our specialists are experienced in managing rare subtypes and use the latest therapies, including clinical trials and molecular testing.

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Clinical trials & research

Endeavor Health participates in national and institutional trials for sarcoma treatment, including access to novel therapies for rare and treatment-resistant subtypes.

Learn more about clinical trials

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If you have a concerning lump or pain, or need a second opinion, our sarcoma specialists are here to help. Schedule a consultation today.

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Your care journey is our mission

The Endeavor Health Cancer Institute delivers comprehensive sarcoma care through expert teams, personalized treatment, advanced imaging and surgery, and long-term survivorship support — all backed by a commitment to innovation and research.

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