If soft tissue sarcoma spreads

Cancer cells can spread from the place where they started to other parts of the body. This spread is called metastasis.

Understanding how a type of cancer usually grows and spreads helps your healthcare team plan your treatment and future care. Soft tissue sarcoma can spread almost anywhere in the body. Where it is most likely to spread depends on factors such as the type of soft tissue sarcoma and where in the body the cancer started. If soft tissue sarcoma spreads, it may spread to the following:

• tissues or areas around where the cancer started
• lungs– especially for soft tissues sarcomas that start in the arms or legs
• liver– especially for soft tissue sarcomas that start in the abdomen
• bone
• brain
• nearby lymph nodes– rare site of metastases for most soft tissue sarcomas