There are two main types of sarcoma. Most sarcomas develop in the muscles, blood vessels or other soft tissues of the body, and are known as soft tissue sarcomas. A smaller number of sarcomas develop in the bone, and are known as bone cancers or bone sarcomas.
Within these two categories, there are more than 70 unique types of sarcoma, each one indicating where in the bone or soft tissue the cancer developed. These are considered subtypes. The most common sarcoma subtypes include:
- Chondrosarcoma, which develops in cartilage cells
- Fibrosarcoma (fibroblastic sarcoma), which develops in fibrous tissue
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), which develops in skin
- Osteosarcoma, which develops in the cells that create bones
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, which develops in the cells that create skeletal muscles
- Ewing’s sarcoma, which develops in immature soft tissue or bone cells
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors, which develop in the cells that line the gastrointestinal tract
- Leiomyosarcoma, which develops in the smooth muscles of the organs in the abdomen and pelvis
- Angiosarcoma (vascular sarcoma), which develops in the cells that create the walls of blood cells or lymphatic vessels
- Kaposi’s sarcoma, which develops in the cells that line the inside of blood cells or lymphatic vessels
- Liposarcoma, which develops in fatty tissue
- Pleomorphic sarcoma, which develops in the soft tissues of the arms, legs and abdomen
- Synovial sarcoma, which develop in the cells near the joints and tendons
At Moffitt Cancer Center, we have the experience needed to treat all types of sarcoma, from the most common to rarer forms. We offer a complete range of treatments, and our oncologists recommend the best combination of options for each patient’s specific diagnosis. All of our treatments are available in a single, convenient location, and no referrals are required to make an appointment.
To learn more about the different types of sarcoma, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online