An Algorithm for Soft Tissue Tumors: Current Perspectives

The diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue sarcomas has dramatically changed in the last 10 to 15 years with more precise preoperative diagnosis, resection, adjunct therapy, and long-term follow-up. With correct preoperative diagnosis and staging of a soft tissue sarcoma, the surgeon, in conjunction with the radiation therapist and the medical oncologist, can select the optimal therapeutic approach to minimize the development of recurrences and metastases. Recognition of a mass as benign or non-neoplastic prevents unnecessary surgery. This article presents an algorithm that demonstrates the important interactions and contributions of the various oncologic-related disciplines (surgery, radiology, pathology, medical oncology, and radiation therapy) to the care of patients with soft tissue tumors.