More than 70% of primary retroperitoneal soft tissue tumors are malignant, making correct tumor classification essential for prognostication and targeted therapies.
Correct tumor classification of retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas is crucial for prognostication and guiding evolving targeted therapies.
Retroperitoneal tumors are extremely rare. More than 70% of primary retroperitoneal soft tissue tumors are malignant. The most common sarcomas in the retroperitoneum include liposarcomas and leiomyosarcoma, however other sarcomas, along with benign mesenchymal tumors, can occur. Sarcomas are a heterogenous group of tumors with overlapping microscopic features, posing a diagnostic challenge for the pathologist. Correct tumor classification has become important for prognostication and the evolving targeted therapies for sarcoma subtypes. In this review, the pathology of retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas is discussed, which is important to the surgical oncologist. In addition, less common sarcomas and benign mesenchymal tumors of the retroperitoneum, which may mimic sarcoma clinically and pathologically, are also discussed.
Mack et al. (Wed,) conducted a review in Retroperitoneal Soft Tissue Sarcoma. More than 70% of primary retroperitoneal soft tissue tumors are malignant, making correct tumor classification essential for prognostication and targeted therapies.