Evaluation of forequarter amputation in malignant diseases

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Cancer Treatment
• Orthopedic Oncology

Background:

• Forequarter amputation is a radical surgical procedure for advanced upper limb malignancies.
• Indications include soft tissue sarcoma, osteosarcoma, and certain carcinomas.
• The psychological impact and survival outcomes require careful consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and survival outcomes of forequarter amputation for various upper extremity cancers.
• To assess the palliative benefits and limitations of the procedure.
• To identify prognostic factors influencing survival and recurrence.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 21 forequarter amputations performed over 15 years.
• Data collected on tumor type, patient demographics, treatment intent (curative vs. palliative), and survival.
• Analysis of recurrence patterns and survival rates based on malignancy type.

Main Results:

• Overall 5-year survival for curative intent was 25%.
• No 5-year survivors were observed for unclassified sarcoma, myosarcoma, or recurrent malignant melanoma.
• Two patients with recurrent breast carcinoma experienced significant palliative relief.

Conclusions:

• Forequarter amputation is not recommended for recurrent malignant melanoma, but can be palliative.
• Early detection of metastasis is crucial before considering this procedure for poor-prognosis tumors.
• Adjuvant therapies are recommended for patients with a poor prognosis to improve survival outcomes.