Because they occur in soft (usually elastic) tissue that is easily pushed out of the way by the growing tumor, soft tissue sarcomas often do not cause early symptoms, and there is not yet a routine screening test available to detect such tumors before symptoms appear.
- The first noticeable symptom usually is a painless lump. Eventually the tumor might cause some pain or soreness as it impinges on nerves and muscles. In many cases, an injury not related to the cancer draws attention to the presence of the sarcoma.
- Sometimes abdominal sarcomas can cause blockage in the gastrointestinal system, or blood in vomit or stool.
- These symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer and should be evaluated by a physician.
