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Subcutaneous sarcoma. A population-based study of 129 patients
A Rydholm1, P Gustafson, B Rööser
1University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Summary
Subcutaneous sarcomas are less aggressive and smaller than deep-seated tumors. Wide local excision offers a good prognosis, with adjuvant therapy generally not indicated for these soft-tissue sarcomas.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Subcutaneous sarcomas represent a significant proportion of soft-tissue sarcomas.
- Understanding the characteristics and prognosis of subcutaneous sarcomas is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence, clinical features, and outcomes of subcutaneous sarcomas.
- To identify prognostic factors and evaluate the role of adjuvant therapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 129 patients with subcutaneous sarcoma diagnosed between 1964 and 1985.
- Population-based study from southern Sweden.
- Multivariate analysis to identify independent prognostic factors.
Main Results:
- Annual incidence of 0.4 per 100,000, comprising 32% of extremity/trunk wall soft-tissue sarcomas.
- Subcutaneous tumors were smaller, more common on lower extremities, often malignant fibrous histiocytoma, and lower grade compared to deep-seated sarcomas.
- Five-year survival was 80%; high grade and tumor size >5 cm were independent negative prognostic factors.
Conclusions:
- Subcutaneous sarcomas exhibit a favorable prognosis with a low local recurrence rate after wide local excision.
- Systemic or local adjuvant therapy is generally not indicated due to the good prognosis.
- Wide local excision is the primary treatment modality for subcutaneous sarcoma.