When we hear the word “cancer,” most of us think of breast, lung, or blood cancers. But there’s one silent fighter that rarely makes headlines—Sarcoma. Though rare, it’s aggressive and often goes undiagnosed until it's too late. Globally, sarcoma accounts for about 1% of adult cancers and a whopping 15% of childhood cancers. With over 480,000 new cases reported every year, it’s time we shine a light on this lesser-known cancer.

Scroll down to learn what sarcoma is exactly. Which parts of the body does it target? Why is it considered so dangerous—and how can we spot it before it’s too late?

Sarcoma is not just one disease—it’s a group of rare cancers that begin in the connective tissues of our body. Think of tissues that support and connect everything inside us: bones, muscles, fat, nerves, and cartilage. That’s where sarcoma quietly begins.

There are two major types:

One of the biggest challenges? The early signs are often vague—such as a small, painless lump or a slight discomfort—which means many people delay seeking medical attention. But the longer it goes unnoticed, the more dangerous it becomes.  

Like many other cancers, the exact cause of sarcoma is unknown. A mutation in cell DNA, causing rapid and uncontrolled growth, results in the formation of a tumour, which turns cancerous. As the tumour grows, it presses on the nearby organs and nerves, causing pain and functional abnormalities. Sometimes the tumour cells also break away and spread to other parts of the body, in a process called metastasis.

The following are some factors that increase the risk of sarcoma:

Signs and symptoms vary depending on the location and type of sarcoma. Some common warning signs include:

How Is Sarcoma Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is through a combination of methods like physical examination, imaging tests and biopsy. After examining the affected area, your doctor may suggest a CT, MRI, or PET Scan to obtain visuals. A biopsy is done for further confirmation by testing a tissue sample from the area. Considering the hidden nature of the disease and often mild symptoms in the early stages, many sarcomas are diagnosed only after they have progressed, highlighting the need for public education and early detection strategies.

Once Sarcoma is diagnosed, the oncologist grades the disease according to the stage of progression:

Stages of Sarcoma:

The grading of sarcoma is done to understand the progression of the disease and determine the treatments that will work best. 

To prevent relapses and enhance the quality of life after recovery, patients may be required to take physical therapy and undergo regular checkups.

A sarcoma diagnosis can be overwhelming, but many people go on to lead productive lives with proper support and care. To manage life after diagnosis, patients and their caretakers need to work together and focus on various aspects of living.

Sarcoma is called the hidden cancer because of its rarity and difficulty in diagnosis. Early detection is the most crucial element in treating sarcoma, like many other cancers. Early detection makes treatment easy, less aggressive and more effective. When cancer is prevented from spreading to other parts of the body, it also increases the survival rates considerably.

If you are constantly bothered by any sort of bone or joint pain, get checkups done to rule out the possibility of sarcoma. If you or your loved ones are diagnosed with sarcoma, the first step is to accept the situation and make strategies to cope. Remember to be proactive and seek treatment promptly.

Every year, July is celebrated as Sarcoma Cancer Awareness Month, keeping in mind the obscure and mysterious nature of the disease and the lack of awareness about it in the general public. At STAR Hospitals, you have all these services under one roof, starting from advanced diagnosis technologies to international-level treatment facilities and counselling to help you navigate the difficult phase of life. The professionals at STAR Hospitals, including doctors and dedicated nurses, are trained to put the patients’ needs first and offer only the best service to anyone in need. Make use of the best Oncology department in Hyderabad to tackle even the rarest of cancers.

Visit STAR Hospitals, ensure your life is in able hands, ready to serve and succeed.