Sarcomas de partes blandas en la región del codo e influencia de sus particularidades anatómicas en su tratamiento. Experiencia en una Unidad de Tumores musculoesqueléticos

Abstract

Background and aimSoft tissue sarcomas are exceptionally located in the elbow region. The aim of this work was to study the soft tissue sarcomas of the elbow region, their epidemiological and histopathological characteristics, anatomical features, the treatment performed, and the results obtained, in a unit of musculoskeletal tumours. MethodsRetrospective review of ten patients with a mean follow-up of 65.0 ± 11.9 (range 21-132) months with soft tissue sarcomas located in the elbow region operated in our centre between 2008 and 2016. ResultsMean age was 60.8 ± 6.7 years. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma was the most frequent histological diagnosis. Limb preservation surgery was performed in 90% of patients. Three patients were previously operated without following surgical oncology guidelines in another hospital, and this was statistically related to the need for more than one surgery to control the disease. R1 margin was obtained in 5 patients and R0 in another 5. Adjuvant radiotherapy was used in 7 cases. In 4 patients, subsequent surgery was performed for local or systemic control of the disease. Local recurrence occurred in 3 cases and in 5 there was distant disease. ConclusionThe elbow region presents difficulty in achieving wide margins due to the proximity of neurovascular structures, adjuvant and / or neoadjuvant therapies could play an important role in performing limb preservation surgery. It would be advisable to refer these tumours to specialized units with multidisciplinary teams.