[Epitheloid sarcoma--an overlooked diagnosis?]

Epitheloid sarcoma (ES) is a malignant soft-tissue tumour which occurs particularly on the hand and forearm in young adults. The tumour grows slowly and metastasizes relatively late but has, nevertheless, a considerable mortality and morbidity because it is frequently erroneously diagnosed, both clinically and pathologically, either as a benign tumour or as a reactive inflammatory process. Two typical cases with diagnostic delays of 12 and 15 years, respectively, which required amputations through the upper arm or forearm are described. Even although ES is a rare tumour form, clinicians and pathologists should be aware of this possibility as, in the early stages, the tumour can frequently be treated effectively and radically by wide local excision without amputation.