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  2. Diagnosis

How is sarcoma diagnosed?

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A number of tests may be performed to investigate symptoms of sarcoma and confirm a diagnosis.

Some of the more common tests include:

  • a physical examination
  • imaging of the area with the lump, which may include X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, bone scans, and endoscopy (use of a thin tube with a light and camera to look at the lining of the gastrointestinal tract – for gastrointestinal stromal tumours)
  • taking a sample of tissue (biopsy) for examination under a microscope.

After sarcoma has been diagnosed, other tests may be done to find out whether the cancer cells have spread within the body and, if so, how far. This is called staging of the tumour, and is an important step in planning treatment.

Tests that might be used as part of staging include the ones listed above, as well as testing of blood samples and bone marrow samples (for bone sarcomas).

  • Last Updated
  • References
  • Relevant Links
updated: 23 October 2020 - 10:47am

American Cancer Society (2018). Soft tissue sarcoma. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/soft-tissue-sarcoma.html

National Cancer Institute (2017). Adult soft tissue sarcoma treatment (PDQ®) – patient version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/soft-tissue-sarcoma/patient/adult-soft-tissue-treatment-pdq

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2018). NCCN guidelines for patients: soft tissue sarcoma. https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/sarcoma/index.html

American Cancer Society (2018). Osteosarcoma. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/osteosarcoma.html

American Cancer Society (2016). Ewing family of tumors. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ewing-tumor.html

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What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease of the cells, which are the body’s basic building blocks.

Treatment and side effects
Treatment and side effects

The treatment that your doctors recommend will depend on the type of cancer you have, how advanced it is, and other personal factors.

Living with cancer
Living with cancer

A diagnosis of cancer marks the beginning of a journey full of emotional, psychological, physical and practical challenges.

Life after cancer
Life after cancer

While looking forward to finishing their cancer treatment and getting on with life, for some people, the end of treatment can also be a confusing or worrying time.

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