Incidence of metastases to lymph nodes from soft-tissue sarcomas

Lymph node metastases occur in an appreciable number of soft-tissue sarcomas. The histologic subtype plays a most important role. Synovial sarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and angiosarcoma manifest relatively frequently such metastases, whereas fibrosarcoma, liposarcoma, and malignant schwannoma do so very infrequently. With the use of the newer radiologic techniques, it is expected that this feature will be more clearly defined and taken into account in planning the treatment. For histologic subtypes known frequently to manifest metastases to the regional lymph nodes, the latter should be considered for inclusion in the surgical and/or radiation treatment plan, particularly for primary tumors situated close to a nodal basin; and careful follow-up of these nodes should be practiced.