Multifactorial analysis of long-term follow-up (more than 5 years) of primary extremity sarcoma.

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
SOFT TISSUE sarcomas are rare and unusual neoplasms, with an annual incidence in the United States of approximately 5000 to 6000 persons. Although these tumors may develop in any anatomic site, approximately 50% will occur in the extremities. Current staging systems for extremity sarcomas, based on short-term outcome, focus on histological grade of the tumor, the size of the primary tumor, and the presence or absence of metastasis.1,2 Histological grade is a major prognostic determinant and is based on differentiation, cellularity, mitotic activity, presence of necrosis, stromal content, and vascularity. Low-grade lesions are assumed to have a low (50%) risk of subsequent metastasis. Although size has historically been considered a less important determinant of biologic behavior, this bias is predicated on measurement of early recurrence and mortality events. It would appear that grade is a factor in early metastasis and size is a feature of more delayed metastasis.2