Also known as:
- Synovial cell sarcoma
- Malignant synovioma
What is synovial sarcoma?
Synovial sarcoma is a rare type of sarcoma – a cancer that forms in the connective tissues of the body. The initial symptoms may be a lump close to a joint that may or may not be painful. It can occur anywhere in the body but is most commonly found in the arms or legs, especially around the knee joint. Despite its name, synovial sarcoma does not actually start in synovial tissue, the cells that line our joints. The name comes from the way it looked similar to synovial tissue when it was first studied and the close association with joints.
The exact cause of synovial sarcoma is unknown but synovial sarcoma has a characteristic genetic change where two genes on chromosome 18 become fused to create a change that leads to uncontrolled cell division.
How rare is synovial sarcoma?
This cancer is extremely rare with less than 0.1 cases per 100,000 people per year.
Who does synovial sarcoma affect?
Synovial sarcoma tends to affect younger people, between teens and 40 years old. It affects males and females equally.
Why is RareCan interested in synovial sarcoma?
RareCan is working to accelerate research into synovial sarcoma by making it easier for researchers to connect with people who have it. You can help us do this by becoming a RareCan member and sharing information with us about your synovial sarcoma diagnosis. We will then get in touch with you about any research opportunities that might be suitable for you.
Looking for a different cancer type?
Please visit our ‘rare cancer list’ to search for your cancer type
Useful links
If you are looking for further support with synovial sarcoma we recommend the following websites:
Sarcoma UK
Sarcoma UK is a charity for those with bone and soft tissue sarcoma diagnoses including synovial sarcoma. They provide information on all types of sarcomas and have a patient support line to help assist with any queries and worries.
