Liposarcoma is the most common subtype of retroperitoneal sarcoma, and a pathology-based algorithm can effectively guide diagnosis via biopsy specimens.
Informs biopsy interpretation and subtype-specific management in retroperitoneal sarcoma; confirms pooled prevalence to stratify future trials.
BACKGROUND: Retroperitoneal sarcoma is rare. Using initial specimens on biopsy, a definitive diagnosis of histological subtypes is ideal but not always achievable. METHODS: A retrospective institutional review was performed for all cases of adult retroperitoneal sarcoma from 1996 to 2015. A review of the literature was also performed related to the distribution of retroperitoneal sarcoma subtypes. A meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: Liposarcoma is the most common subtype (45%), followed by leiomyosarcoma (21%), not otherwise specified (8%), and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (6%) by literature review. Data from Moffitt Cancer Center demonstrate the same general distribution for subtypes of retroperitoneal sarcoma. A pathology-based algorithm for the diagnosis of retroperitoneal sarcoma is illustrated, and common pitfalls in the pathology of retroperitoneal sarcoma are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: An informative diagnosis of retroperitoneal sarcoma via specimens on biopsy is achievable and meaningful to guide effective therapy. A practical and multidisciplinary algorithm focused on the histopathology is helpful for the management of retroperitoneal sarcoma.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Pham et al. (2016) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: