Management of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in Marrakech: About 37 Cases

Abstract

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS), comprising less than 1% of adult malignancies, pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their rarity and heterogeneity. This retrospective study spanning five years at the University Hospital Center - Mohammed VI, Marrakech, aimed to characterize the epidemiological, clinical, and histopathological profiles of 37 STS cases for standardized therapeutic insights. STS diagnoses, predominantly dermatofibrosarcoma and light cell sarcomas, exhibited symptomatic presentations such as swelling and pain. Surgical interventions, emphasizing limb-sparing techniques, thin skin transplants, and flap reconstructions, were central in the management. The average follow-up of 18 months revealed instances of local recurrence and mortality. Challenges in early diagnosis were underscored, given non-specific symptoms and delayed consultations. Multidisciplinary management involving oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, radiotherapists, and surgeons played a pivotal role. Radiological characteristics and diagnostic biopsies guided surgical interventions. The study stressed adherence to established guidelines, emphasizing sufficient surgical margins for enhanced local control. While acknowledging the complexity of STS, the conclusion emphasized a multidisciplinary approach, underscoring surgery’s pivotal role. The abstract advocates for awareness campaigns to improve management in specialized centers, acknowledging the need for further research on the roles of radiation therapy and chemotherapy in STS treatment. The succinct abstract highlights key findings and recommendations for clinicians and researchers in the field.