what is sarcoma?

Sarcomas are malignant tumours that arise from cells that make up connective tissue (bone, cartilage, blood vessels, muscle, fatty tissue, nerves), and can develop at any site in the body. There are many different types of sarcoma, but it is useful to think of them as either soft tissue sarcomas or bone sarcomas. Sarcomas are rare cancers, and are only the 21st most common cancer. A GP can expect to see only one or two sarcomas in an entire career. There are approximately 2000 soft tissue sarcomas and 400 bone sarcomas diagnosed each year in the UK.