Sarcomas in the groin and inguinal canal: A 16-year single-centre experience

Soft tissue sarcomas arising in the groin and inguinal canal can be difficult to diagnose and manage. This is in part explained by the complex anatomy of the region. Early referral to specialist centres has been advocated, as inadvertent excision of these tumours can jeopardise definitive treatment. We present our 16-year experience at a regional sarcoma service.

A retrospective review of patients treated for a sarcoma in the groin and inguinal canal within the North of England Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour Service was performed. Demographic information, along with therapeutic approach and outcomes, was recorded and analysed.

A total of 67 patients were identified, out of which 18 presented with new lesions, 32 presented after having a previous inadvertent sarcoma excision, 10 had a planned resection and 7 presented with recurrent disease. Liposarcomas were the most common histological subtype (55%), and the spermatic cord the most common origin (45%). Fifty-seven patients had surgery for this condition, with seven incomplete excision. Regional flaps were used in 60% of the cases, to allow an adequate oncological resection and soft tissue cover. Patients who had undergone a previous inadvertent sarcoma excision did not have worse rates of local recurrence, metastases and disease-specific mortality. Kaplan-Meier disease-specific survival at 5 years was 82%.

Inadvertent and inadequate groin sarcoma excision outside of specialist centres remains a problem despite clear guidance. Despite this, an aggressive oncological approach to inadequately managed tumours shows similar outcomes as tumour managed exclusively by our specialist centre.