What clinical features should raise suspicion for soft tissue sarcoma in a patient presenting with a soft tissue mass?

For a patient presenting with a soft tissue mass, the primary clinical feature that should raise suspicion for soft tissue sarcoma is an unexplained lump that is increasing in size ¹.

• In adults, an unexplained lump that is increasing in size should prompt consideration of an urgent, direct access ultrasound scan to be done within 2 weeks ¹.
• In children and young people, an unexplained lump that is increasing in size should lead to consideration of a very urgent, direct access ultrasound scan to be done within 48 hours ¹.

If ultrasound scan findings are suggestive of soft tissue sarcoma, or if findings are uncertain and clinical concern persists, further referral is indicated ¹. For adults, this would be a suspected cancer pathway referral ¹. For children and young people, a very urgent referral for specialist assessment within 48 hours should be considered ¹.