Sarcoma
Last update
Sarcoma is a rare form of cancer and accounts for about 1 percent of all diagnosed cancer cases in Europe. In 2025, 612 new cases of sarcoma were registered in Norway.
About sarcoma
Sarcoma is cancer of connective and supporting tissues of the body and can occur in any location and organ. Soft tissue sarcomas constitute about 90 percent of all sarcomas, of which GISTS (tumors originating from the connective tissue of the gastrointestinal tract) is the largest histological subgroup. The rest are bone sarcomas.
A total of 612 people were diagnosed with sarcoma in Norway in 2025, including abdominal and retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas and gynecological soft tissue sarcomas.
The diagnosis of sarcoma is based on tissue or cell samples. Histological diagnosis of sarcoma is difficult and requires specialist expertise. All tissue samples suspected of sarcoma must be primary or re-examined at one of the university hospitals. Immunohistochemical and molecular examinations will also often be necessary. It is necessary to distinguish different tumour types from each other and to be able to adapt the treatment for the patients.
Key figures - sarcoma 2025
New cases
612 people
5-year relative survival (2016-2025)
Bone sarcomas: 67.1%
Soft tissue sarcomas of extremities and trunk: 76.7%
Abdominal and retroperitoneal sarcomas (excluding GIST): 59.4%
The figures are taken from Norwegian Sarcoma Registry.
For more statistics, see the Cancer Registry's statistics bank.
Questions about cancer
The Cancer Registry of Norway is a research institution. Our professionals therefore do not answer questions about diagnosis, assessment, treatment and follow-up from patients or their relatives.
Inquiries about this information should be directed to your general practitioner, treating institution, or the Norwegian Cancer Society's advisory service at phone: +47 21 49 49 21.