[Principles of radical treatment of soft tissue tumors (author's transl)]

Malignancy should always be suspected for any soft tissue tumor. Thus, histologic examination of the totally excised growth is mandatory. Amputation is indicated as a curative measure for recurrencies and lesions that cannot be excised locally. It is also indicated for palliation in cases with ulceration, impaired function, and distant metastases. Adjuvant radio- and chemotherapy, based on the type of tumor, is outlined. The importance of cooperation between surgeon, pathologist, radiologist, and chemotherapist and of a central soft tissue tumor register is emphasized.