Sarcoma is a rare group of cancers that affect the bones, muscle, and nerve tissue. There are over 150 types of sarcoma, and the cause isn’t always known, nor does it discriminate against race, age, or sex. Early detection is crucial and could save your life. If you notice any new lumps appearing on your body, pain in your abdomen that won’t go away, bloody stool, or any of the following symptoms, please see your doctor.
Some soft tissue sarcomas will not show any symptoms in the early stages and can for a few years before it may show any signs. Depending on the type of sarcoma you may have, it can make some for a variety of different symptoms. Here are some of the early warning signs of sarcomas:
1. Lumps
A painless lump or growth could appear anywhere on the body. You may have a lump that has been removed and continues to come back. Swelling around the site of the lump or tumor is another common symptom. A lump that grows deep within the muscle may become painful, the deeper and bigger it grows. A growth that looks like bruising or may bleed when slightly scratched could happen with Angiosarcoma, one of the many types of sarcoma.
2. Gastro-intestinal changes
If the tumor is in the abdomen, it may become painful and cause black or bloody stool. Vomiting and nausea are possible, along with the changes in the stool.
3. Restricted movement
The pain could be worse at night and eventually limit your mobility. If the tumor starts in your leg or arm, it could cause the limb to become weak, or you might begin to walk with a limp if the cancer is in your leg.
4. Breathing difficulties
The tumor may cause you to have breathing issues as it continues to grow and press against nerve tissue.
5. Changes in appetite
A more common symptom from the tumor is that you could make you feel full very quickly, or have a complete loss of appetite. Sudden weight loss or sudden weight gain for no reason can also become a factor.
6. Fatigue
In some cases, loss of energy, tiredness, and anemia are other symptoms that could appear with certain types of sarcomas.
