Three of the possible signs of soft tissue sarcoma are a bulge or lump under the skin (not necessarily painful), pain around the lungs or organs, and trouble breathing.  Soft tissue sarcomas can grow extremely large in size and push against the organs or lungs causing the person a great amount of pain.  If any of these symptoms are present, a person should seek immediate medical help.  There are many different types of tests and screenings that can be done to see if a person actually has soft tissue sarcoma.

1.    Physical Exam-  If you first notice a bulge or painful lump the first thing you should do is to see your regular physician.  They can then recommend you to a specialists if they find it necessary.

2.    X-Rays-  A simple X-Ray can be taken to determine if there is a mass and where it is located.

3.    Computed Tomography Scan (CAT Scan)-  A CAT scan can be administered to see a more detailed picture of the area.  It can be used to see the muscles, bones, fat, and organs.

4.    Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-  An MRI can be done to again see a more detailed picture of the area. The positive aspect of the MRI is that it has no known health risk associated with it, and it can be used to see the development and changes in the soft tissues of the body.  

5.    Positron Emission Tomography Scan (PET Scan)-  In a PET Scan a radioactive dye is injected into the body, and allows doctors to view body processes.  

6.    Laboratory Tests-  Blood, tissue, urine, and other bodily substances may all be tested to help diagnose, plan or check treatment, or monitor the disease over time.

*If soft tissue sarcoma is suspected after receiving the results of any of these tests or screenings a biopsy will be done on the tumor.  A biopsy can include the removal of a section of the tumor, or the removal of a sample of tissue; the type of biopsy depends on the location and the size of the tumor.  (Often a diagnoses of soft tissue sarcoma in children is difficult because of the biopsy procedure.  A large enough sample needs to be retained for examination and this is often hard to do in smaller children.)