Synovial sarcoma is a rare and aggressive type of soft tissue cancer that primarily affects the tissues around joints, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It most commonly occurs near the knees, hips, shoulders, and other large joints but can develop almost anywhere in the body. Recognizing the signs of synovial sarcoma early is challenging because its symptoms often mimic less serious conditions and can develop slowly over time.
One of the most noticeable signs is the presence of a **lump or mass** that you can see or feel under the skin. This lump may initially be painless, which can delay seeking medical attention. Over time, the lump may grow larger and become more apparent. The lump is often firm and may feel fixed to underlying tissues, unlike benign cysts or bumps that move easily.
As the tumor grows, it can cause **pain and swelling** in the affected area. The pain may be persistent and worsen gradually, sometimes becoming severe. It can be dull or aching and may radiate to nearby areas, such as a joint or limb. Swelling is often visible and may cause the affected limb or joint to appear larger or puffier than usual.
Another important symptom is **numbness or tingling sensations**. This happens when the tumor presses on nearby nerves, disrupting normal nerve function. You might experience a loss of sensation, a pins-and-needles feeling, or weakness in the area supplied by the affected nerves. This nerve involvement can also lead to difficulty moving the limb or joint, reducing the range of motion.
Because synovial sarcoma grows slowly, symptoms can be subtle and develop over months or even years. This slow progression often leads to misdiagnosis, with the tumor mistaken for benign conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, ganglion cysts, or other soft tissue lumps. These conditions also cause pain, swelling, and lumps near joints, making it difficult to distinguish without proper medical evaluation.
In some cases, the tumor may cause **stiffness or difficulty moving the joint** near the tumor site. This happens as the mass interferes with normal joint function or causes inflammation in surrounding tissues. You might notice limping or favoring one limb due to discomfort or reduced mobility.
If the synovial sarcoma is located near blood vessels, it can cause symptoms related to blood flow obstruction, such as swelling of the limb due to impaired circulation. Rarely, when the tumor arises inside large veins, it may cause more severe symptoms like swelling, pain, or even symptoms of vein obstruction.
In advanced stages, if the cancer spreads (metastasizes), symptoms can appear in other parts of the body, such as the lungs, causing cough, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. However, these signs usually occur later and are not typical early indicators.
To summarize the key signs of synovial sarcoma:
– A **noticeable lump or mass** near a joint, often painless at first
– **Persistent pain** that may worsen over time, sometimes radiating to nearby areas
– **Swelling** around the lump or joint
– **Numbness, tingling, or weakness** due to nerve compression
– **Reduced range of motion or stiffness** in the affected joint or limb
– Possible **limping or difficulty moving** the limb
– In rare cases, symptoms related to **blood vessel involvement**, such as limb swelling from poor circulation
Because these symptoms are common to many less serious conditions, it is important to seek medical evaluation if you notice a persistent lump or unexplained pain and swelling near a joint. Early diagnosis and treatment improve the chances of better outcomes with synovial sarcoma.
