Tests and next steps for soft tissue sarcoma

Tests for soft tissue sarcoma

You will need more tests and scans to check for soft tissue sarcoma if the GP refers you to a specialist.

Tests that the specialist may arrange include:

• blood tests
• scans, such as an ultrasound scan (sometimes from inside your body using an endoscope, which is a long, thin tube with a small camera inside), CT scan or MRI scan
• collecting a small sample of cells from any lump using a needle (called a biopsy)

You may not have all these tests.

Getting your results

It can take several weeks to get the results of your tests.

Try not to worry if your results are taking a long time to get to you. It does not definitely mean anything is wrong.

You can call the hospital or GP if you are worried. They may be able to update you.

When you get your results, a specialist will explain what they mean and what will happen next. You may want to bring someone with you for support.

If you're told you have soft tissue sarcoma

Being told you have soft tissue sarcoma can feel overwhelming. You may be feeling anxious about what will happen next.

It can help to bring someone with you to any appointments you have.

A group of specialists will look after you throughout your diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

Your team will include a clinical nurse specialist who will be your main point of contact during and after treatment. You can ask them any questions you have.

Next steps

If you’ve been told you have soft tissue sarcoma, you may need more tests.

You may need:

• more CT scans
• a PET scan, sometimes together with a CT scan (this is called a PET-CT scan)
• genetic testing

The results of these tests can show:

• what type of soft tissue sarcoma it is
• if the cancer has spread
• if the cancer has been caused by certain changes in your genes

This will help your specialist team decide what treatment you need.