Follow up after treatment for soft tissue sarcoma

After treatment for soft tissue sarcoma, you have regular check ups at the hospital. You also have tests including blood tests, x-rays and scans. Over time, these appointments become less frequent. 

Why you have follow up appointments

You usually have follow up appointments to check how you are and see whether you have any problems or worries. The appointments also give you the chance to raise any concerns you have about your progress.

How often you have check ups

Depending on the type and grade of your soft tissue sarcoma, you may have a regular chest x-ray at your check ups. At first, your check ups will be every few months. But if all is well, they will gradually become less and less frequent. How often you see your doctor may also depend on your individual situation.

In general, you might have be followed up in the following way:

Intermediate or high grade sarcoma

Routine follow up is usually: 

• 3 to 4 monthly appointments for the first 2 to 3 years
• 6 monthly appointments up to 5 years
• then yearly appointments

Low grade sarcoma

Routine follow up is usually:

• 4 to 6 monthly appointments for the first 3 to 5 years
• then yearly appointments

​​​​​​​Where you go for your follow up

You usually go to the cancer clinic for follow up. You might have a video or telephone appointment instead of a face-to-face appointment.

Your healthcare team will let you know about your follow up appointment and what to expect.

What happens?

Your doctor or nurse examines you at each appointment. They ask how you are feeling, whether you have had any symptoms or side effects, and if you are worried about anything. You might also have tests at some visits.

Tests may include:

• blood tests 
• x-rays
• CT scans
• MRI scans

You might go for check ups at the surgical outpatients after surgery. You go to the cancer clinic if you have had chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The surgeon and the oncologist might share your follow up. This means you see the surgeon sometimes and the oncologist at other times.

You are only likely to have MRI scans or CT scans if you have symptoms that need to be checked out. Research in this area has proved to specialists that most people don't need regular CT or MRI scans unless there is a suspicion that something could be wrong.

Between appointments

Contact your doctor or specialist nurse if you have any concerns between appointments. You should also contact them if you notice any new symptoms. You don’t have to wait until your next visit.

Many people find their check ups quite worrying. A hospital appointment can bring back any anxiety you had about your cancer.

It can help to tell someone close to you how you’re feeling. Sharing your worries can mean they don’t seem so overwhelming. Many people find it helpful to have counselling during or after cancer treatment.

You can also find people to share experiences with by using our online forum, CancerChat.