Sarcoma is a rare and diverse type of cancer that originates in the connective tissues of the body, including bones, muscles, tendons, and cartilage. Unlike more common cancers that develop in epithelial tissues, sarcomas arise in the mesenchymal tissues.

Sarcomas can occur in any part of the body and are classified into two main types:

• soft tissue sarcomas – develop in the soft, supportive tissues 
• bone sarcomas – affect the skeletal system.

Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) represents a diverse group of cancers originating in the body’s soft, supportive tissues, excluding bone and cartilage. This class of malignancies encompasses various subtypes, each posing distinct challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

• Leiomyosarcoma: Originating in smooth muscle cells, often found in the uterus, abdomen, or blood vessels.
• Liposarcoma: Developing in fat cells, frequently occurring in the thighs or abdomen.
• Fibrosarcoma: Arising from fibrous tissues, commonly affecting deep layers of the skin, tendons, or ligaments.
• Synovial Sarcoma: Affecting the joints, commonly found in the arms or legs.
• Rhabdomyosarcoma: Developing in skeletal muscle cells, predominantly occurring in children.

Bone sarcoma, a rare and formidable cancer, originates within the bone tissues, presenting distinctive complexities in diagnosis and treatment. This category of malignancies encompasses diverse subtypes, each characterized by unique features, underlying causes, and risk factors. 

• Osteosarcoma: Primarily emerging in the long bones, such as the arms and legs, often centering around the knee.
• Chondrosarcoma: Originating in the cartilage, frequently found in the pelvis, hip, or shoulder.
• Ewing sarcoma: Predominantly occurring in bones but also capable of affecting soft tissues, with a higher incidence in children and young adults

PREVALENCE ::

Prevalence :: Soft tissue sarcomas are more common than bone sarcomas. Sarcomas can occur in individuals of all ages, however are most common in teenagers and young adults. There are over 80 subtypes of sarcoma, each with its unique characteristics. Sarcomas are relatively rare, comprising approximately 1% of all adult cancers. Approximately 20% of childhood cancer diagnoses are attributed to sarcoma, positioning it among the most prevalent cancers in children. Sarcoma comprises up to 10% of cancer cases in adolescents and young adults (aged 15-25).