Sarcoma is a rare form of cancer that can affect the bones, muscles, and other soft tissues of the body. It can spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs. However, the rate of spread to the lungs depends on the type and stage of the sarcoma.
Generally, sarcomas have a lower rate of spread to the lungs than other types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, and colon cancer. Research shows that only about 10 percent of sarcomas spread to the lungs, and this rate is even lower for certain types of sarcomas. For example, angiosarcoma, a rare type of sarcoma, has been reported to spread to the lungs in only 2 percent of cases.
When sarcoma does spread to the lungs, it is often as a result of metastasis, which is when cancer spreads from one part of the body to another. It is thought that sarcoma can spread to the lungs through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Once there, it can grow and form new tumors.
In some cases, sarcoma can spread to the lungs even before the original tumor is diagnosed. This makes it important for people who have sarcoma to be monitored for any signs of lung involvement. These signs can include shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood.
Overall, sarcomas have a lower rate of spread to the lungs than other types of cancer. However, it is still important for people with sarcoma to be aware of the possibility of it spreading to the lungs and to be monitored for any signs of involvement.