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Number 1 Skin Cancer & Pre-Cancer Care

B. Skin Cancer Types

Number 1 Skin Cancer & Pre-Cancer Care

A. Skin Cancer Diagnosis

B. Skin Cancer Types

C. Skin Cancer Treatment

D. Pre-Cancerous Lesions

Number 1 Medical Dermatology
(Chronic & Inflammatory Skin Diseases)
Number 3 Pigment & Lesion Disorders
Number 4 Non-Cancer Growth
Number 5 Surgical Dermatology (Non-Cancer Procedures)
Number 6 Cosmetic Dermatology
Sarcoma PDF

• Sarcoma (Skin & Soft Tissue Sarcomas)

(Rare cancers of connective tissue involving the skin or tissue beneath the skin)

1. What Is a Sarcoma?

A sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that arises from the body’s connective (supporting) tissues, such as:

  • Fibrous tissue

  • Fat

  • Muscle

  • Blood vessels

  • Nerves

When sarcomas involve the skin or the tissue just beneath it, dermatologists are often the first specialists to evaluate and diagnose them.

Sarcomas are not common, but early recognition is important because treatment often requires specialized surgery and coordinated care.

2. Types of Sarcoma Seen in Dermatology

Some sarcomas that may involve the skin include:

  • Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP)
    Slow-growing but locally aggressive tumor of the skin.

  • Angiosarcoma
    Cancer of blood vessels, often appearing as bruise-like or purple patches, commonly on the scalp or face.

  • Leiomyosarcoma
    Cancer arising from smooth muscle, presenting as firm skin or subcutaneous nodules.

  • Kaposi Sarcoma
    A vascular sarcoma associated with immune suppression, causing red or purple patches or nodules.

Each type behaves differently, which is why accurate diagnosis is essential.

3. What Do Cutaneous Sarcomas Look Like?

Sarcomas of the skin may appear as:

  • Firm or hard lumps under the skin

  • Slowly enlarging plaques or nodules

  • Red, purple, brown, or skin-colored lesions

  • Bruise-like areas that do not resolve

  • Usually not scaly and often not itchy

  • May or may not be painful

Any new, enlarging, or persistent firm growth should be evaluated.

4. How Sarcomas Are Diagnosed

Diagnosis usually involves several steps:

a) Skin Examination

Your dermatologist evaluates size, depth, firmness, and growth pattern.

b) Skin or Deep Tissue Biopsy

A biopsy is essential to:

  • Confirm the diagnosis

  • Identify the sarcoma subtype

  • Guide treatment planning

c) Additional Testing (When Needed)

Depending on biopsy results, this may include:

  • Imaging (MRI, CT)

  • Blood tests

  • Referral to surgical or medical oncology

5. How Sarcomas Are Treated

Treatment depends on the type, size, depth, and location of the sarcoma.

Surgical Treatment

  • Complete surgical removal is the main treatment

  • Specialized techniques (such as wide excision or Mohs-type surgery) may be used for certain sarcomas

  • Clear margins are critical to reduce recurrence risk

Additional Therapies

Some patients may also need:

  • Radiation therapy

  • Systemic therapy (chemotherapy or targeted therapy)

  • Care coordinated with oncology specialists

6. Pre-Op Instructions

(Before biopsy or surgical referral)

Before Your Appointment

  • Take photos of the lesion if it has been changing

  • Bring a list of:

    • Current medications and supplements

    • Prior biopsies or imaging, if any

  • Tell us if you:

    • Take blood thinners

    • Have bleeding disorders

    • Have allergies to numbing medications or adhesives

⚠️ Do not stop prescribed medications unless directed by your prescribing clinician.

7. Post-Op Instructions

7. a) After a Biopsy

  • Keep the bandage on and dry for 24 hours

  • After 24 hours:

    1. Gently clean with soap and water

    2. Pat dry

    3. Apply ointment if instructed

    4. Cover with a clean bandage

  • Avoid soaking (baths, pools, hot tubs) until healed

  • Call the office if you notice increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, fever, or bleeding that won’t stop with pressure

7. b) After Surgical Treatment

  • Follow surgeon-specific instructions carefully

  • Expect some soreness, swelling, or bruising

  • Activity restrictions depend on surgical site and extent

  • Attend all follow-up visits for wound checks and surveillance

8. When to Seek Prompt Medical Care

Contact us urgently if you experience:

  • Rapid enlargement of a lesion

  • Increasing pain, bleeding, or ulceration

  • Signs of infection

  • New unexplained lumps elsewhere on the body

Request An Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a sarcoma the same as typical skin cancer?

No. Sarcomas are different from common skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma. They arise from connective tissue, not skin cells.

Some are slow-growing, while others are more aggressive. Behavior depends on the specific type and depth of the tumor.

Yes. Some sarcomas can spread to other parts of the body, which is why early diagnosis and proper treatment are important.

Often, yes. Sarcoma care frequently involves a multidisciplinary team, including dermatology, surgical oncology, and medical oncology.

Yes. Because complete removal is essential, scars are expected. Surgeons aim to balance cure with the best possible functional and cosmetic outcome.

Regular follow-up is important to monitor for recurrence. The schedule depends on the sarcoma type and treatment received.