A sarcoma is a malignant tumor arising from connective, supporting, or other non-epithelial tissues such as bone, muscle, fat, cartilage, or blood-vessel tissues.
Sarcomas are a diverse group of cancers rather than one single disease. They are broadly classified as soft-tissue sarcomas or bone sarcomas, although some sarcomas arise in other specialized tissues.
Sarcomas can occur at almost any age and in many parts of the body. Their treatment depends on the specific type, location, stage, and other factors.
QUICK FACT
Sarcoma is different from carcinoma, which arises from epithelial cells.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Carcinoma: cancer arising from epithelial cells.
- Malignant: describes cancerous behavior; it does not identify a particular cancer type.
SEE ALSO