Overview of malignant soft-tissue sarcomas of the limbs

• Published in: Clinical radiology Vol. 76; no. 12; pp. 940.e1 - 940.e16
• Main Authors: Renn, A., Adejolu, M., Messiou, C., Bhaludin, B., Strauss, D.C., Thway, K., Moskovic, E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-12-2021
• Subjects: Extremities; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Sarcoma - diagnostic imaging; Sarcoma - pathology; Soft Tissue Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Soft Tissue Neoplasms - pathology; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasonography
• ISSN: 0009-9260; 1365-229X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2021.08.011

Although soft-tissue masses are common, sarcomas are rare malignant neoplasms showing variable mesenchymal differentiation and can occur at any anatomical site. Limb soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare, but often lethal tumours. Although there are scores of historical pathological subtypes, this article will deal with the commonest: liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma (LMS), undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), synovial sarcoma, myxofibrosarcoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST), epithelioid sarcoma, alveolar rhabdosarcoma, angiosarcoma and radiation-induced sarcoma (RIS). Following a review of >4,000 adult patients with limb sarcoma from our specialist soft-tissue tumour database, we summarise the literature and their imaging findings, with emphasis on radiological hallmarks that can aide in diagnosis and management. Increased awareness of sarcoma when challenged with a new mass in the extremity can ensure timely and appropriate treatment.