Sonographic evaluation of local recurrences of soft tissue sarcomas

The aim of our study was to establish whether ultrasonography can be proposed as the main diagnostic technique for the follow-up of soft tissue sarcoma (STS). In 26 patients with previous history of STS, a sonographic examination was carried out using a 5 MHz linear transducer to identify early local recurrences. Sonography was performed every 3 months and a computed tomographic (CT) control was made when the sonogram showed findings strongly suggestive of recurrence. STS recurrences were detected by sonography in 20 of 26 patients (77%) and were confirmed by histologic examination. In six cases, sonographic results were uncertain and in three of these the recurrence was ascertained by biopsy. CT scan provided a correct diagnosis in 16 patients (61.5%) and only in cases with lesions greater than 5 cm in diameter. From our experience we conclude that high frequency sonography is a most accurate noninvasive approach in early detection of STS recurrences. CT plays an important role in the cases amenable to surgery treatment and is recommended to obtain a better assessment of anatomic connection between tumor and adjacent structures.