Bone and Soft Tissue Cancer
Sarcoma is cancer that occurs in bones or in the soft tissues that surround and connect bones. Soft tissue includes:
- Blood and lymph vessels
- Fat
- Muscles
- Nerves
- Tendons
Sarcomas occur when cells in the bones and soft tissue grow in ways that aren’t typical. These tumors can occur anywhere in the body.
Cancer can develop in bones in just one part of the body or throughout the body. There are two basic types of bone cancer:
- Primary bone cancer: Cancer that begins in the bones or soft tissue.
- Secondary bone cancer: Cancer that spreads (metastasizes) into the bones from somewhere else in the body.
Cancer can cause pain and swelling in or near bones. Other bone cancer symptoms include:
- Bone fractures
- Soft lumps
- Unexplained fever
Our specialists treat all cancers of the bone. Learn more about cancers we treat in people of all ages. We treat:
Chordoma
Chordoma is an uncommon bone cancer. Tumors often develop at the base of the spine or skull and may also form in the bones of the spine. Chordoma is more common in older adults, especially males.
Ewing sarcoma
Ewing sarcoma, sometimes called Ewing's tumor, is cancer that grows in bones or soft tissues such as blood vessels, connective tissue and muscle. This cancer is more common in male children and teenagers. Ewing sarcoma multiplies quickly and may spread to other parts of the body.
Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is cancer that begins in cells that form bones (osteoblasts). As tumors grow in the bones, they keep healthy bone tissue from developing properly.
This cancer is more common in teenagers and young adults. You may be at higher risk for osteosarcoma if you:
- Had radiation in the past
- Have Paget disease, a benign (noncancerous) condition that affects how bones develop
Metastatic bone cancers
Metastatic bone cancer occurs when abnormal cells spread to the bones from another part of the body. These cancers can develop after any primary cancer, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer.
Metastatic tumors can cause bones to become weak and fracture. These tumors can also cause painful high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia).
Chondrosarcoma
Chondrosarcoma begins in the connective tissue that covers bone ends and lines joints (cartilage). This slow-growing cancer, most common in adults 40 and older, may form in the pelvis, leg or shoulder.Fibrosarcomas
Fibrosarcomas are cancers that start in the cells that form fibrous tissue such as tendons (fibroblasts). These cancers cause fibrous tissue to grow abnormally and may spread to other soft tissues.Malignant fibrous histiocytomas (MFH)
MFH is an atypical cancer that grows in the cells of soft tissue and bone. This cancer is most common in the upper leg and may cause a mass or lump to develop.Our experts diagnose sarcomas using several different tests. We start by talking with you about any symptoms you're having.
Your doctor will complete a physical examination. Depending on what we learn, we may use:
- Angiogram
- Biopsy
- Core needle biopsy
- Open surgical biopsy
- Blood tests
- Bone scan
- Imaging tests
We consider the sarcoma type and stage (how it is growing and whether it has spread) when designing your treatment plan. Doctors use different cancer treatments to control abnormal cell growth, including:
- Chemotherapy
- Cryosurgery
- High-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
- Targeted therapy
Our experts and partners also research new ways to treat cancer. Please read about our work at Sentara Health Research Center.