Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Soft tissue sarcomas can arise from a variety of tissues, including muscles, fat, blood vessels, tendons, nerves and other connective tissues. Common examples include the following.
What is soft tissue sarcoma?
Soft tissue sarcomas are cancers that develop in supporting or connective tissue such as the:
They commonly affect the arms, legs and trunk. They also appear in the stomach and intestines (GIST) as well as behind the abdomen (retroperitoneal sarcomas) and the female reproductive system (gynaecological sarcomas). The most common subtype of soft tissue sarcoma is GIST.
- muscle
- nerves
- tendons
- blood vessels
- fatty and fibrous tissues
They commonly affect the arms, legs and trunk. They also appear in the stomach and intestines (GIST) as well as behind the abdomen (retroperitoneal sarcomas) and the female reproductive system (gynaecological sarcomas). The most common subtype of soft tissue sarcoma is GIST.
How many people get soft tissue sarcoma?
About 200 people are diagnosed each year in Ireland with some type of sarcoma.
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Last reviewed 10/04/2026