Sarcoma: Expert care for cancers of the bone, soft tissue and female reproductive organs

Sarcomas are cancers that occur in your body’s connective tissues. These tissues include blood vessels, bone, cartilage, fat and muscle.

We divide sarcomas into three broad groups:

• Bone cancers

• Gynecologic sarcomas (cancers that affect female reproductive organs, such as uterine sarcoma)

• Soft tissue sarcomas

Pediatric sarcomas

There are many types of sarcomas. So, getting the best care for these cancers means seeing the right specialists. You’ll find them at the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center. Our team includes:

• Gynecologic oncologists

• Orthopedic surgeons

• Medical oncologists

• Radiation oncologists

Our experts work together to create a treatment plan that’s just right for you.

Bone cancers can cause:

• A lump under the skin

• Fatigue or tiredness

• Pain or swelling over a bony area

Cancers of the female reproductive organs can cause:

• Bleeding after menopause

• Pelvic pain or pressure

• Unusual vaginal bleeding

Soft tissue cancers may cause:

• A new lump or a lump that gets bigger

• Abdominal pain that gets worse over time

• Black, tarry stools

• Bloody stools or vomit

Making a diagnosis

To confirm you have a sarcoma, our doctors will record your medical history and do a physical exam. They may also order one or more imaging tests. If we suspect a sarcoma, we will remove a tissue sample and perform a biopsy. During a biopsy, our specialists look at your tissue sample under a microscope for signs of cancer.

Our specialists provide care through the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center. As the only comprehensive cancer center in Wisconsin, we provide the highest level of cancer care available.