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Updated: Feb 16, 2026
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A Mouse Model of Incompletely Resected Soft Tissue Sarcoma for Testing Neoadjuvant Therapies
Published on: July 28, 2020
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Pre-operative evaluation prior to soft tissue sarcoma excision - Why can't we get it right?
N W Mesko1, R J Wilson2, J M Lawrenz1
1Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 9500 Euclid Ave, Crile Building - A41, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
Summary
An appropriate pre-operative workup, including advanced imaging and biopsy, is crucial for complete soft tissue sarcoma (STS) excision. Inadequate workup leads to incomplete excisions and increased patient morbidity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Incomplete excision of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) is a significant clinical challenge.
- The role of pre-operative workup in achieving complete STS excision requires further definition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between appropriate pre-operative workup and the rate of incomplete soft tissue sarcoma excision.
- To evaluate the downstream consequences of inadequate pre-operative assessment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 397 patient records from 2000-2008.
- Analysis of pre-operative advanced imaging (MRI or CT) and diagnostic biopsy.
- Evaluation of time to referral and surgical care alterations post-incomplete excision.
Main Results:
- 38% of STS cases had incomplete excision prior to referral.
- Appropriate pre-operative imaging (91% vs 42%) and biopsy (85% vs 16%) were significantly associated with complete excision.
- Pre-operative biopsy, tumor size >5cm, and orthopedic referral reduced incomplete excision risk.
Conclusions:
- A minority of patients with incomplete STS excision had adequate pre-operative workup.
- Inadequate pre-operative assessment leads to increased morbidity and complex re-excision procedures.
- Enhanced education on suspicious soft tissue lesions is vital for improving patient outcomes.
