What Are Bone Tumors and Sarcoma?
Tumors are lumps of tissue that form when cells divide uncontrollably. When tumors start inside the skeleton, such as in the leg bones, the arm bones or the ribs, they are called bone tumors. When they start inside other tissues, such as muscles, fat or blood vessels, they are called soft tissue tumors. Tumors can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancerous and do not spread from their original (primary) site. They can, however, come back (recur) at their original site. Malignant tumors are cancerous and have the potential to spread cancer cells to other parts of the body (metastasis). Both bone tumors and soft tissue tumors can be either benign or malignant. When these tumors are cancerous, they are called sarcomas.
