- Bone and soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that can develop in the bones, muscles, fat, tendons, blood vessels or connective tissues of the body. Since this cancer is rare and the initial symptoms are common, it is often mistaken for a sports injury, muscle strain or tendon inflammation. As a result, proper diagnosis and treatment are delayed and sometimes the disease is already advanced by then. Let’s learn about the main symptoms of sarcoma from Dr. Shabbir Suttarwala, Spine Surgeon and Orthopaedic Consultant at Saifee Hospital.
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The main reason behind misdiagnosis of sarcoma is that its initial symptoms are similar to those of regular muscle and joint problems. Patients may experience constant dull ache, swelling or discomfort after physical activity. Young athletes may think that the pain is due to overuse, while older people may assume that it is due to arthritis or muscle fatigue. In the early stages, the pain caused by bone sarcoma may subside after a period of rest or taking painkillers. This is why many people mistake it for a simple injury.
However, the pain associated with sarcoma has some characteristics that are different from those of common sports injuries. The pain increases over time, may be worse at night, and may persist despite adequate rest or physiotherapy. Soft tissue sarcoma may initially present as a painless lump that gradually increases in size. Bone sarcoma, on the other hand, weakens the bone and increases the risk of fracture even with minor trauma. Any such symptoms should not be ignored.
According to recent guidelines on the treatment of sarcoma, it is crucial to refer patients to a sarcoma specialist as soon as possible. According to the 2025 UK Sarcoma Management Guidelines, suspicious soft tissue lumps should be promptly examined for MRI. If a lump is found inside the body, a rapidly growing lump, or a lump larger than 5 cm, it should be referred to a specialist immediately. Also, biopsies should be performed only in sarcoma specialist centers to avoid affecting future treatment.
The use of advanced imaging technology and artificial intelligence (AI) is also increasing in the diagnosis of sarcoma. Although the use of AI-based imaging is currently in the research phase, it can be used to more accurately distinguish between cancerous lumps and common musculoskeletal disorders. This is likely to help reduce diagnostic delays in the future.
In conclusion, most sports injuries heal within a few weeks. However, prolonged pain, unexplained swelling, or a lump that continues to grow can be symptoms of a serious condition like sarcoma. Therefore, patients, primary care physicians, physiotherapists, and sports medicine specialists need to be more aware of these symptoms. Timely and appropriate examination and referral to a specialist can lead to early diagnosis of sarcoma and improve treatment outcomes.
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