A STUDY AND EVALUATION OF SOFT TISSUE SARCOMA CASES IN CENTRAL INDIA

Abstract

Background: Soft tissue malignancies constituted a heterogeneous group of rare solid tumors of mesenchymal cell origin with distinct clinical and pathological features. The aim of the study was to know the prevalence of soft tissue sarcoma, sex, age and site distribution, histopathology and various treatment options adopted with follow up.

Methods: A total of 52 cases of soft tissue sarcoma were analyzed for a three-year period.

Results: Out of 52 cases 37% of cases were between 20-40 yearsand 38% of tumors were situated in lower-extremity. The commonest histological type was Ewing’s sarcoma and Spindle cell sarcoma. Lymph node metastasis was seen in 4% of cases. Distant metastasis was present in 6-cases, 5 with lung metastasis and 1 with lung and liver metastasis. Surgery was the main modality of the treatment. Only 60% turned for follow up, 3 patients succumbed to death because of multiple pulmonary secondaries and chest infections.

Conclusion: In the present study, all the cases of soft tissue sarcoma presented in late stage of the disease due to illiteracy and lack of health education. Recurrence was seen in 1% of cases. The overall survival rates and quality of life of the patients can be improved by frequent health camps at primary health centers for early detection of the disease, providing adequate health education, diagnostic and management facilities.