[Prognosis in malignant tumors of soft tissues]

The author reports the data on 348 patients with malignant tumors of soft tissues, operated upon within the period of 1946--70 inclusively, children being excluded from this number. Various factors were studied from the prognostic viewpoint. The data obtained enabled estimating the morphological tumor structures, other conditions being equal, as a factor of great importance. None of the factors should be regarded separately. The accumulation of observations and systematization of prognostic criteria seems to be absolutely essential. Prognostication in malignant tumors of soft tissues may aid in selecting an adequate extent of surgical intervention, in avoiding too traumatic procedures, thus contributing to patients' rehabilitation.