Errors in Diagnosis and Margin Determination of Soft-Tissue Sarcomas Initially Treated at Non-Tertiary Centers

One hundred four patients with soft-tissue sarcoma referred to our institution who were initially managed at an outside medical center were retrospectively reviewed. The accuracy of histologic diagnosis and adequacy of tumor resection performed at these centers was evaluated. Review of the original pathologic specimens was performed. Thirty-seven percent of the histologic diagnoses were changed, and 82% of cases with excisional or wide resections had positive margins. The incidence of errors in diagnosis and inadequate tumor resection suggest that biopsy and histologic analysis of sarcomas should be performed by physicians experienced in their management.