Soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) are rare malignant tumors that have a wide spectrum of biological behaviors. Approximately 12,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year, comprising approximately < 1% of all adult and 12% of pediatric cancers.
In general, STSs are challenging to diagnose and treat. The World Health Organization recognizes more than 50 different histologic subtypes. They are classified on the basis of histopathologic pattern, immunohistochemical staining, and characteristic cytogenetic abnormalities. The tumors are grouped according to their likely tissue of origin (eg, adipocytic, fibroblastic/myofibroblastic, fibrohistiocytic, smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, vascular, chondro-osseous).
Most STSs present as a painless or minimally symptomatic, gradually enlarging mass. Their size widely varies; approximately one third of these tumors are > 10 cm at the time of diagnosis. The relationship of STSs to vital structures plays an important role in management, because balancing tumor clearance with preservation of function is a critical issue in the management of STS.
Do you know key aspects of diagnosis and treatment associated with common STS types? Test yourself with our short quiz.
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Cite this: Fast Five Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Soft-Tissue Sarcomas - Medscape - Jan 03, 2018.
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