Diagnosis, Classification, and Management of Soft Tissue Sarcomas

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue sarcomas are challenging to oncologists due to their unique character, the infrequency of their occurrence, and the difficulties in predicting outcomes. Advances in imaging, as well as improvements in surgical techniques and adjunctive treatment methods, have improved care for patients with these unusual disorders. METHODS: The various types of soft tissue tumors are defined, and the statistics for the Orthopaedic Oncology Group in relation to them are reviewed and compared with literature references. RESULTS: The overall survival rate for 1,220 tumors treated at our institute from June 1972 to June of 2001 was 72%, with a wide range. Patients with leiomyosarcomas, clear cell sarcomas, and malignant fibrous histiocytomas had a poorer survival rate, while those with fibrosarcomas, liposarcomas, and neurofibrosarcomas fared better. Outcome was affected by patient age, tumor anatomic site, tumor stage, and a history of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Competent imaging, predictive immunological and genetic studies, improved surgery, and newer methods of adjunctive and neoadjunctive treatment should result in improvements in outcomes for patients with these tumors.