Management and outcome of extremity soft tissue sarcomas

Objective: To analyze the results of various treatment modalities applied to soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity. Subjects and Methods: Data was collected from 32 patients. It included age, gender, and presentation, diagnostic work-up, treatment instituted followed by evaluation of management. All patients were followed up for 24 months. Results: Seventeen (53%) were males and 15 (46%) were females. Mean age of presentation for males was 50 years and for females 40 years. Most common presentation was a lump on proximal part of the limbs. Surgery was the primary treatment modality in 20 (62.5%) patients followed by adjuvant radio-chemotherapy, whereas in 12 (37.5%) only radiotherapy was employed to local site. In this latter group, 6 (18.75%) were subjected to chemotherapy as well, due to metastatic disease. Conclusion: The management of soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity carried out in our set up was not satisfactory leading to increased incidence of local recurrence and mortality. Appropriate management requires updated knowledge and its application by health professionals. A dedicated multi-disciplinary team should manage tumours. (author)