Soft-tissue sarcoma
Imaging, biopsy and definitive surgery should be planned as one connected pathway.
When sarcoma should be considered
An enlarging, deep or otherwise clinically concerning soft-tissue mass deserves structured assessment. Most lumps are not sarcomas, but an appropriate pathway matters when suspicion exists.
Diagnosis
Local imaging and a deliberately planned biopsy are central. The biopsy tract must be considered in relation to a potential later resection, and pathology should be interpreted by a team familiar with sarcoma.
Multidisciplinary treatment
Treatment depends on histological subtype, grade, site, resectability and stage. Surgery, radiotherapy and systemic treatment are considered in a multidisciplinary setting.
Role of surgery
The goal is cancer control with preservation of limb or organ function whenever oncologically appropriate. Reconstruction may involve soft tissue, vessels, nerves, bone or joints.