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Sarcoma

 
Clinical Lead:  Mr Thomas Bragg, Swansea Bay University Health Board
Deputy: Ms Jo Gronow, Velindre NHS Trust

This page provides information and guidance on Sarcoma for health care professionals. 

Information for patients can be found on our patient hub.

Sarcomas are a rare and diverse group of cancers thought to have a common embryological origin.

They arise from cells that comprise the connective tissue structure, including bone, cartilage, muscle, blood vessels, nerves and fat (blood vessels, bursa, fascia, ligament, muscle, peripheral nerves, sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves and ganglia, synovia, tendon etc), occurring almost anywhere in the body, sarcomas can be broadly divided into those of bone and those of soft tissue.

Only soft tissue sarcomas are managed within the Cancer Network and information on this website only refers to soft tissue sarcoma.

Bone sarcomas should be referred directly to the sarcoma unit at Birmingham Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.

  • Soft tissue sarcomas are reported to account for about one per cent of all malignant neoplasms
  • Benign soft tissue tumours outnumber malignant by at least a factor of 100
  • Soft tissue sarcomas can occur anywhere that connective tissue is present, and signs and symptoms vary greatly depending on the anatomical site as do treatment options and prognosis.

Please see Clinical Guidelines for specific information, eg extremity and superficial trunk, retropertioneum, viscera, head and neck, risk factors and guidelines for urgent referral.

If you would like further information on the Sarcoma CSG please click here.

Click here to visit national charity Sarcoma UK.

Click here to download the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committe (WHSSC) service specification.