Sarcoma and Bone Cancer

Expert treatment for cancer of the bone or soft tissues

A smiling middle-aged Caucasian man and Asian woman represent the full life that can be led after treatment for sarcoma or bone cancer.

Expert treatment for cancer of the bone or soft tissues

Sarcomas are a rare type of cancer that affect the bones or soft tissues of the body. Osteosarcomas affect bone. Soft tissue sarcomas start in soft tissues, such as fat, muscle, nerves, fibrous tissues or blood vessels. There are dozens of types of soft tissue sarcomas, and they usually develop in the arms or legs.


Scripps Cancer Center treats sarcomas and bone cancers with a variety of therapies based on the type of cancer, whether it has spread, and the patient’s medical history and overall health. Learn more about the various types of sarcoma and bone cancer below. 

Desmoid tumors start in the soft tissues of the abdomen. They are usually not cancerous, but in rare cases they can grow into nearby tissues. Desmoid tumors may not need treatment. Instead, they may be watched to see if they spread.


If treatment is needed, surgery to remove the tumor is usually the first option. Depending on the tumor, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used with or instead of surgery to eliminate cancer cells. Learn more about desmoid tumor.

Ewing sarcoma is an extremely rare form of bone cancer that usually develops in children. It’s even less common in adults. Ewing sarcoma is usually treated first with chemotherapy and targeted therapies, followed by surgery and radiation therapy. Learn more about Ewing sarcoma.

Osteosarcoma is the most common form of bone cancer. Treatment usually involves complex surgery to remove the tumor and, if necessary, tissue around the tumor. A bone graft may be needed. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used as well. Learn more about osteosarcoma. 

Retroperitoneal sarcoma is a rare subtype of soft tissue sarcoma that can develop within the abdominal cavity directly against the perineum. Most patients will need surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue that may be affected. Chemotherapy and radiation also may be part of treatment. Learn more about retroperitoneal sarcoma. 

Most soft tissue sarcoma tumors of this rare cancer develop in the arms or legs, but they can also appear in the torso, head and neck areas. There are nearly 50 subtypes of soft tissue sarcoma. It is named so because it develops in soft tissues such as muscle, nerves, fat and blood vessels, as well as fibrous tissues like tendons and ligaments. Learn more about soft tissue sarcoma.