Reviewed by: Louisa Davis, cancer nurse
Connective tissue cancers are named according to the tissue in which they begin. They include liposarcomas (tumours of fat tissue) and fibrosarcomas (tumours of fibrous tissue).
It's cancer that begins in connective tissue. The connective tissue is all the types of tissue that connect, support and surround other tissue and organs, and includes fat, muscle and nerve tissue. Because connective tissue is all over the body, a cancer of this type may begin almost anywhere.
Connective tissue cancer is rare. Around 137 people are affected in Victoria each year.
In most cases of this type of cancer, the cause is not known.
High exposure to radiation (such as in a nuclear accident) can cause some connective tissue cancers. Some chemicals used in the past are known to increase the risk of this cancer. Some inherited disorders also put people at higher risk.
Pain is often a sign, in the area where the cancer is growing. Some connective tissue cancers grow quite big before they cause any symptoms.
If you have one of these symptoms, but have not been diagnosed with this cancer, remember that it's rare, and your symptom is likely to be due to something else. However, see your doctor if any symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks.
