Large Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma of the Posterior Thigh

Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma of the Distal Thigh: A Case Report

The undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is a rare malignant tumor of mesenchymal origin. Poorly differentiated tumor cells, which might take the form of giant cells, histiocytes, or spindle-shaped cells, make up the UPS variant of sarcomas. If soft tissue tumors enlarge and turn malignant, they may become an issue. Sarcoma is diagnosed by several tests, such as a physical examination, MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound. A biopsy yields information regarding the grade and subtype of the sarcoma and is required for a clear diagnosis. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and broad-margin excision are the standard treatments for cancers of the bone. UPS often appears in people between 50 and 70 years old. Yet, here we report a 40-year-old male diagnosed with UPS. Our goal is to discuss how unique our case is in comparison to others, as well as the available diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives in such cases.

Wide Resection Preserving Conjoined Tendons of the Rotator Cuff Muscles for Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma at the Suprascapular Fossa - A Case Report

Surgical principles in sarcoma are a wide resection, including surrounding tissues and maximisation of the function of the affected limb. Rotator cuff muscles are biomechanically important structures acting as a force couple in movement of the shoulder joint. Thus, conjoined tendons are essential for motion capability in absence of the supraspinatus muscle. This article reports a case of a large undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) at the suprascapular fossa in a 78-year-old man. After diagnosis of sarcoma, he underwent wide, en-bloc excision preserving conjoined tendons of rotator cuff muscles and low-dose radiation therapy for surveillance of local recurrence. All dissection was performed to avoid contaminating the tumour and involved the whole supraspinatus except the conjoined tendons. We report a case of UPS at the suprascapular fossa, which showed a good result after a wide resection preserving conjoined tendons of rotator cuff muscles. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Sarcomas of the sellar region: a systematic review

PURPOSE AND METHODS

Sarcomas of the sellar region are uncommon and unexpected tumors. Here, we review the cases reported in literature via a systematic search.

RESULTS

Ninety-four patients, 58.5% male with mean age of 39.2 ± 17.2 years were included. Fifty-seven (62%) had soft tissue sarcomas (STS) and 35 (38%) bone sarcomas (BS). Sarcoma was a primary tumor in 66%, developed after radiotherapy in 31.9% and 7.4% were metastatic. Median time between radiotherapy and sarcoma development was 10.5 (11) years. Main presentation symptoms were visual disorders (87.9%), headache (61.5%) and III cranial nerve palsy (24.1%). After surgery, sarcoma persisted or recurred in 82.3% and overall mortality reported was 44.6% with 6.5 (14) months of median survival. Tumor appeared earlier in BS compared to STS (34.4 ± 15.1 vs. 42.6 ± 17.6 years), p = 0.034 and complete tumor resection was achieved more often (41.3% vs. 4.4%), p =  < 0.001. Condrosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma were more frequent subtypes among primary tumors while fibrosarcoma was among post-radiation sarcomas. Tumor size was larger in radiation associated sarcomas (mean maximum diameter 46.3 ± 9.3 vs. 29.1 ± 8.0 mm, p = 0.004) and persistency/recurrence was similar in both groups (70.1 vs. 73.3%, p = 0.259).

CONCLUSION

Sarcomas appear as mass effect symptoms in the middle aged population, mainly as primary tumors, but one third is associated with radiotherapy. Surgery is commonly not curative, mortality rate is high and death ensues shortly after diagnosis.

Spindle Cell Sarcoma of the Paraspinal Musculature with Late Pulmonary Metastases

Patient: Male, 58

Final Diagnosis: Spindle cell sarcoma

Symptoms: Chest wall tenderness • painful paraspinal mass • shortness of breath

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Surgical excision with chemotherapy and radiation

Specialty: Oncology