A sarcoma is a highly rare form of cancer; it refers to over 50 different kinds of cancers. But a broad classification refers to just two groups, soft tissue sarcoma and bone sarcoma. Sarcoma cancer generally begins in any bone or soft connective tissues. These tissues include muscles, nerves, fat, cartilage, blood vessels, and tendons. The symptoms of sarcoma depend on where they emerge.

Sarcomas can originate from anywhere in the body. They can grow on hard surfaces, on flexible tissues, or in any available space/cavity in the body. Soft tissue sarcoma does not exhibit any symptoms in the early stages. It tends to grow a while before any noticeable warning signs appear. Hence, these sarcomas can grow large before they are discovered. The malignant tumors can push normal tissue and obstruct the regular functioning of organs. They can cause pain by pressing against muscles and nerves. Usually, only then does it garner attention and is diagnosed. On the other hand, bone sarcoma can show apparent symptoms early on.

Sarcomas generally start in an arm or leg. It can also begin in the head, neck, chest, or abdomen. When cancer develops and the tumor grows in size, it can cause discomfort, tenderness, blockage, or sometimes, even bleeding.

Some of the early warning signs of sarcoma include:

• A lump, growth, or inflammation that appears anywhere on the body. It can be felt through the skin and can sometimes be painful too. It is best to consult a doctor, especially if the lump is more than 5 cm wide and continues to grow.
• A feeling of fullness/swelling or pain in the cancer region that worsens over time is also one of the early warning signs of sarcoma.
• Pain in the affected bones, which one can feel especially at night time, and the bulging of the bones. Easy breakage of bones, sometimes because of injury, and sometimes without any reason.
• Blood may be largely present in vomit or stools. And stools might be sticky and dark-colored or black.
• A sudden loss of weight with no focussed effort and no apparent reason could also be a symptom of sarcoma.

However, apart from the general early warning symptoms, sarcomas that arise in different parts of the body present distinct symptoms. For example:

1. Angiosarcoma
Angiosarcoma originates in the blood and lymph vessels anywhere in the body. It is often diagnosed in the skin (the scalp, face, or neck), breast, liver, or in the body’s deep tissues. When it affects the skin, the symptoms include puffiness, a bruise-like purplish lesion that might bleed when scratched. When located in the organs, angiosarcoma causes pain.

2. Cardiac sarcoma
This is certainly a rare type of cancer that begins in the heart. It can appear within the heart’s chambers, on muscle tissue, or on the heart’s outside surface. These cancerous growths obstruct the inflow and outflow of blood to and from the heart. Thus the efficiency of the heart to pump blood is affected. It can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain, fatigue, swelling of the abdomen, legs, ankles, or feet.

3. Chondrosarcoma
This is a primary bone cancer of the cartilage cells. It usually starts in the cartilage cells of the arms, ribs, thighs, pelvis, or knees. Symptoms of chondrosarcoma include swelling and pressure in and around the affected bone. Pain caused by this type of sarcoma typically worsens at night but can be relieved by taking anti-inflammatory medicines.