Sarcomas are rare malignant tumours that arise from soft tissues. They can occur in any location.
Common sites of Sarcomas include the limbs, the trunk and in the abdominal cavity.
The treatment of Sarcoma involves surgery to completely remove the tumour. This may involve removal of a ‘margin’ of normal tissue around the tumour to ensure that no cancerous cells are left behind that can regrow.
Prior to surgery, the diagnosis of Sarcoma is usually confirmed by a biopsy of the tumour using a core biopsy technique. Evaluation of the size and location of the tumour is best performed using an MRI scan of the affected area.
Depending on the type of tumour and its location, patients who have had surgery to remove a Sarcoma may require further treatments with either radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.
All patients with Sarcoma are discussed at the Prince of Wales Hospital Sarcoma Multidisciplinary Tumour Meeting. The results of the surgery, any scans and the pathology of the tumour are all discussed so that any further treatments can be recommended.
