Notice
UW Health recently identified and investigated a security incident regarding select patients’ information.Learn more
Overview
What are sarcomas?
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
Pediatric cancer services
With our expertise comes compassion. Our team considers you and your child part of our family. We will be by your side every step of the way. From diagnosis through treatment and into adulthood, we will care for your child as if they are our own.
Meet our team
The specialized care you need
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.
Treatment and research
We tailor sarcoma treatment to your cancer and your needs
Sarcoma treatment depends on the type of sarcoma you have and your goals. Other factors like where your cancer is located and whether it has spread come into play as we determine a treatment plan, as well.
Your treatment might include:
Chemotherapy
Our experts can use powerful chemicals to kill cancerous cells.
Cryoablation
Extreme cold temperatures can freeze and kill cancer cells.
Radiation therapy
Our experts can use high-energy x-rays and other forms of radiation to kill cancer cells.
Surgery
Our surgeons can remove as much of your cancer as possible. When we can, we use minimally invasive procedures. They involve smaller incisions than open surgery. They also can result in less pain and shorter hospital stays.
Clinical trials
UW Health and UW Carbone Cancer Center are a nationally recognized research hub. Our specialized research team studies new treatments and looks for ways to improve cancer care. Through clinical trials, we test promising therapies for all types of sarcomas. If one of these trials is right for you, we give you the chance to take part.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Finding sarcomas
Symptoms of sarcomas depend on the type of cancer and where they are found in your body.
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.
Locations
Wisconsin’s cancer center
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.
Patient and support services
Additional information
You can learn more about sarcomas through these online resources:
Contact the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center
At the only comprehensive cancer center in Wisconsin, we treat a variety of cancer types using the latest and most advanced treatments available.