[Surgical treatment of soft tissue sarcomas]

Surgical excision of the tumor with a tumor-free margin is always the most important form of treatment of soft tissue sarcoma. Although a local management of the tumor would in many cases be achieved by amputation, the functional and psychological consequences would often be significant. Better knowledge of the biology of different subtypes along with the progress in the forms of treatment has improved the prognosis. Modern surgical treatment aims at functional resection with tumor-free margins and preservation of the limb, whenever possible. If necessary, the operation will be complemented with postoperative radiotherapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy are given in some cases.