Management Of Soft Tissue Tumors Research Articles

Challenges in the diagnosis and management of soft tissue tumors of the oral cavity.

Soft tissue lesions are among the most prevalent forms of tumors or tumor-like alterations within the oral cavity. They exhibit a wide spectrum of characteristics, ranging from benign, noninvasive lesions to malignant tumors, which collectively present a diagnostic challenge. A 67-year-old patient presented with an incidental finding of induration on the right cheek during dental hygiene. The intraoral examination revealed a soft, non-tender swelling measuring 20 mm in diameter. The sensitivity and percussion tests for the teeth in the fourth quadrant yielded unremarkable results. Panoramic radiography (OPG) revealed tip-ping of the premolars and an unclear apical finding in region 44. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) revealed a sharply defined, lobulated hypodense lesion in the right buccal area. To clarify the diagnosis and optimize perioperative management, a 3 Tesla dental magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was performed. This identified a 23×6×23 mm lipoma along the right mandibular ramus, causing detachment of the buccinator and de-pressor anguli oris muscles. A cinematic rendering reconstruction derived from the MRI data facilitated enhanced visualization for preoperative planning. The surgical excision was performed under local anesthesia, resulting in the successful removal of the neoplasm while preserving the mental nerve and submandibular gland. Histo-pathology confirmed the presence of a lobulated mature cell lipoma. The patient exhibited no complications during the removal of the sutures, with complete wound healing and no recurrence observed. This article highlights the efficacy of advanced MRI diagnostics and post-processing techniques in the management of ambiguous soft tissue neoplasms.

PET-CT-based resection guide for treatment of auricular squamous cell carcinoma: an innovative clinical management of soft tissue tumors: a case report

PurposeTo describe the successful use of a PET-CT-based resection guide for the treatment of auricular squamous cell carcinoma.Case presentationA 69-year-old male presented with a painless growing mass in his left ear helix that had been unsuccessfully treated conservatively by another surgeon. An incisional biopsy revealed moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, and the patient was referred to the department for further management. A PET/CT was performed, which showed uptake of FDG in the ear with a SUV max value and T3N0M0 status. The treatment plan was based on a multidisciplinary team discussion and a thorough evaluation of the PET/CT imaging findings. A decision was made to proceed with excision of the mass with a wide safety margin, using a PET/CT-based resection guide for ear resection. Additionally, partial temporal bone resection, selective neck dissection, and superficial parotidectomy were planned. The patient opted for reconstruction with a scalp rotational flap. The patient’s treatment plan was successful, and at follow-up visits, he remained disease-free. This case report highlights the importance of using a PET-CT-based resection guide for the treatment of soft tissue tumors, specifically auricular squamous cell carcinoma. It also demonstrates the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach and thorough evaluation of imaging findings in determining an effective treatment plan for patients.ConclusionsThe use of PET-CT-based resection guide can be an effective tool in the treatment of auricular squamous cell carcinoma. It can provide more precise and accurate information about the extent of the tumor, leading to a more effective treatment plan. Multidisciplinary team approach and thorough evaluation of imaging findings are crucial in determining the best course of treatment for patients.

The impact of additional pathology analysis on the diagnosis and management of soft tissue tumours: a 10-year retrospective study

In order to characterise soft tissue tumours, pathologists often utilise specialised additional tests, or may seek opinions from subspecialist pathologists due to rarity or complex morphology. Additionally, further review may be sought by subspecialist sarcoma pathologists, such as those at our tertiary referral centre in Sydney, Australia. The aim of this study was to examine the impact on diagnosis and management of this external review, following diagnosis at a specialised sarcoma unit. We collated the results of all additional external ancillary tests and specialist reviews over a 10-year period and characterised the impact on the preliminary diagnosis as 'confirmed', 'new' or 'no clear diagnosis'. We subsequently noted whether the additional findings resulted in a clinically significant change in management. Of the 136 cases sent away, 103 patients had their initial diagnosis confirmed, 29 patients received a new diagnosis and, for four patients, the diagnosis remained uncertain. Nine of the 29 patients receiving a new diagnosis had their management altered. This study demonstrated that within our specialised sarcoma unit, the majority of diagnoses provided by our specialist pathologists are confirmed on additional external testing and review, but external review does provide additional assurance and benefit to the patient.

Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) clinical practice guidelines on the management of soft tissue tumors 2020 - Secondary publication

BackgroundThese clinical practice guidelines are intended to provide recommendations based on the best evidence obtained to date on key issues in clinical practice to improve the prognosis, diagnostic and therapeutic processes for patients with soft tissue tumors. MethodsThe Guidelines Development Committee and Systematic Review Committee were composed of a multidisciplinary team of specialists who play an important role in soft tissue tumor care. Clinical questions (CQs) were determined by choosing key decision-making points based on Algorithms for the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue tumors. The guidelines were developed according to the “Medical Information Network Distribution Service (Minds) Handbook for Clinical Practice Guideline Development 2014” and “Minds Manual for Clinical Practice Guideline Development 2017.” Recommendation strength was rated on two levels and the strength of evidence was rated on four levels. The recommendations were decided based on agreement by 70% or more voters. ResultsTwenty-two CQs were chosen by the Guidelines Development Committee. The Systematic Review Committee reviewed the evidence concerning each CQ, a clinical value judgment was added by experts, and the text of each recommendation was determined. ConclusionWe established 22 CQs and recommendations for key decision-making points in the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue tumors according to the Minds Clinical Practice Guideline development methods. We hope that these guidelines will assist the decision-making of all medical staff engaged in the treatment and diagnosis of soft tissue tumors, and eventually lead to improved soft tissue tumor care in the country.

Surgical management of soft tissue tumors of the abdominal wall: A retrospective study in a high-volume sarcoma center.

The aim of the study is to evaluate functional and oncological outcomes of patients undergoing abdominal wall soft tissue tumors (AWSTT) surgery. All consecutive patients that underwent surgery for malignant and intermediate AWSTT from 1999 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Ninety-two patients were identified, 20 (22%) operated on for a desmoid tumor and 72 (78%) for a soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Fifty-two patients (57%) had in toto resection of the abdominal wall (from the skin to the peritoneum) and 9 (10%) required simultaneous visceral resection. The closure was direct in 28 patients (30%) and requiring a mesh, a flap or a combination of the two in respectively 42, 16, and 6 patients (47%, 17%, 6%). The postoperative complications rate was 26%. Thirteen patients (14%) developed an incisional hernia after a median delay of 27 months. After a median follow-up of 40 months, out of the 72 patients operated on for STS, 7 (10%) developed local recurrence and 11 (15%) distant recurrence. The median recurrence-free and overall survivals were 61 and 116, months respectively. Management of AWSTT requires extensive surgery but allows good local control with an acceptable rate of incisional hernia.

Evaluation of Wound Healing Following Wide Surgical Resection and Subdermal Skin Flap Reconstruction for Management of Soft Tissue Tumours in 20 Dogs

Background: Tumours in dogs are increasing day by day and the mainstay of treatment is surgery. Wide surgical resection of soft tissue tumour in dogs is mandatory to prevent recurrence but it leads to the formation of a large skin defect requiring skin reconstruction. Among the various skin reconstruction techniques, subdermal skin flap is a simple reconstruction technique which can be performed by harvesting full-thickness skin from the surrounding skin without using special instruments. The current study was aimed to evaluate the healing and recurrence of tumours in dogs after wide surgical resection of tumour and subdermal skin flap reconstruction.Methods: 20 dogs with soft tissue tumours presented to MSVH, GADVASU, Ludhiana, Punjab, during the period 2019-2020 were treated by wide surgical resection and subdermal skin flap technique. Routine clinico-physical, Hematobiochemical, Radiographic examinations, Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology, Histopathology and Culture Sensitivity Test were performed. Different types of flap were created according to the location of tumour and availability of the loose skin and wound healing was evaluated and complications recorded. Result: Healing of subdermal flap was seen in 15 dogs (75%) while necrosis of subdermal flap was recorded in 5 dogs (25 %) of the cases of which 4 of them had mobility of flap base and were located in ventral abdomen (n=4) and limb (n=1). Overall tumour recurrence was recorded in 3 dogs (15%) which were located in limbs of which 2 dogs had lung metastasis and the tumours were malignant. It can be concluded that single pedicle advancement flaps for thoracic region; bipedicle advancement flap for thoracic and abdominal regions; rotational flaps for lateral thoracic region and transposition flap for proximal limb region are feasible skin reconstruction techniques for the repair of large skin defects in dogs.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Frozen Section in Musculoskeletal Tumors

ABSTRACT Introduction: Musculoskeletal tumors are rare group of disorders. To reach a diagnosis requires detailed medical history, physical examination, radiological investigations and histopathological correlation. Intra operative consultation plays an important role in the management of soft tissue tumors. However, there is a considerable lack of literature evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of frozen sections in musculoskeletal tumors. This study is aimed because no local data is available on the accuracy of frozen section in musculoskeletal tumors and frozen section allows intraoperative diagnosis. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of intra-operative frozen sections for musculoskeletal tumors i.e, bone and soft tissue benign and malignant. Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Setting: Section of Orthopaedic, Department of Surgery, The Aga Khan University Hospital. Duration of Study: From 12th October 2018 to 5th August to 2019. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was designed to evaluate the Diagnostic accuracy of frozen section in musculoskeletal tumors at a tertiary care hospital, Karachi. All the patients meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study and sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and diagnostic accuracy were calculated for frozen section keeping permanent section as gold standard. Results: Of the total 88 patient 48 (54.54%) were male and 40 (45.45%) were female. Mean age was 30.75 years (5–80 years). 63(71.59%) patients have bone tumors while 25(28.40%) have soft tissue tumors. 50(56.81%) patients have tumour involving lower extremity, 23(26.13%) have upper extremity tumors and 15 (17.04%) have tumour involving pelvis. Overall sensitivity of frozen section for benign and malignant tumour of bone and soft tissue was 96.66%, specificity was 100%, positive predictive value 100%, and negative predictive value 93.33% and accuracy was 97.72%. Conclusion: Frozen section serves as an invaluable and accurate tool in the intraoperative evaluation of musculoskeletal tumors. A diagnosis of musculoskeletal tumor by the frozen section method is highly reliable.

Diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration cytology in the evaluation of soft tissue tumours

Context: Fineneedle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an important tool in the diagnosis of soft tissue tumours. The method is widely tested in recent years as it is easy, quick, safe and fast compared to histopathology. Aims: Present study is being conducted to study the cytomorphological patterns of soft tissue tumours and find out the efficacy of FNACwhen compared with histopathology aided with immunostains. Settings and Design: Fifty six cases presented with soft tissue swellings were subjected to FNAC. The results were compared with histopathology aided with immunohistochemistry. Materials and Methods: Present study was a prospective study conducted between July 2007 and December 2008 for a period of one and a half year in the department of Pathology of a tertiary care institute. Patients who presented with soft tissue tumours were included in the study. Patients with inflammatory swellings and those in which histopathology was not available were excluded. Fifty six cases presented with soft tissue swelling were subjected to fine needle aspiration (FNA). Findings were compared with histopathology. Immunohistochemistry was used in some cases for exact diagnosis.| Statistical analysis used: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy. Results: In the primary diagnosis of soft tissue tumours by FNAC, the study showed sensitivity and specificity of 93.75% and 94.4% for malignancy. Overall diagnostic accuracy was 94.4% for both benign and malignant neoplasms. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value was 88.24% and 97.3% for malignancy. Conclusions: FNA of soft tissue tumours yields specific architechtectural patterns and cytological details. FNAC helps in the initial management of soft tissue tumours as it is rapid and fairly accurate. Keywords: Soft issue tumours, Cytology, Patterns, Histopathology.

Management of soft tissue tumors of the musculoskeletal system.

A palpable mass in the musculoskeletal system is a common reason for consultation. The main issue is that a malignant tumor must not be missed. Inappropriate initial treatment can have direct consequences on the risk of local recurrence, the patient's future function and life expectancy. A mass more than 5cm in diameter, a subfascial location and a recent increase in size are signs that should lead the physician to question whether the lesion is truly benign and to carry out diagnostic examinations. MRI is the gold standard imaging exam. Biopsy, which is now mainly percutaneous and imaging-guided, must be performed for any subfascial mass more than 5cm long or a smaller mass with a high risk of postoperative functional sequelae. Referring the patient to a specialized cancer center has direct benefits on the patient's recurrence-free survival and reduces time lost during the diagnostic and treatment phases. For malignant tumors, surgical treatment requires resection margins that comply with cancer guidelines. Preservation of the limb and its function may require multidisciplinary reconstruction techniques. Pre- or post-operative radiation therapy or chemotherapy should be proposed only after discussion in a multidisciplinary team meeting.

Management of soft tissue tumors of the upper extremity: a review.

Introduction: Management of malignant tumors of the hand and wrist is challenging and is generally approached by limb salvage or amputation. With advances in care, amputation has been superseded by limb salvage as the treatment of choice. Methods: A narrative literature review was performed to identify articles on the topic of management of soft tissue tumors of the upper extremity, including surgical management, adjuvant radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Results: A total of 29 articles were selected. Earlier reports favored radical tumor resection, which often led to amputation, whereas later articles demonstrated limb salvage as the preferential treatment modality. Conclusions: Given the detrimental effects on function and psychologic outcomes, amputation has been superseded by limb salvage in most cases, although it can occasionally be the only option. A variety of adjuvant therapies have been described, including radiation or brachytherapy, chemotherapy, and regional hyperthermia. Radiation treatment, and specifically brachytherapy, is beneficial to select patients. Controversy surrounds chemotherapy in certain subtypes, and regional hyperthermia requires further investigation.

Translational research in diagnosis and management of soft tissue tumours.

Finding a soft tissue mass in the superficial regions is a common event in daily clinical practice. Correct management of the diagnostic process is crucial to avoid blunders. Diagnosis is posed by pathology, although both imaging and a better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms play an important a role in the characterization, staging and follow-up of soft tissue masses. Cellular and molecular mechanisms can explain either the development of chemo-resistance and the underlying pre- and post-surgery metastasis formation. These are mandatory to improve prognosis and unveil novel parameters predicting therapeutic response. Imaging mainly involves ultrasound and MR and is fundamental not only in diagnosis but also in the first step of therapy: the biopsy. Novel imaging techniques like Ultrasound Elastosonography, Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MR imaging (DCE), Diffusion Weighted MR imaging (DWI) and MR Spectroscopy (MRS) are discussed. This paper aims at reviewing and discussing pathological methods and imaging in the diagnosis of soft tissue masses underscoring that the most appropriate treatment depends on advanced molecular and radiological studies.

Management of desmoid tumours: A nationwide survey of labelled reference centre networks in France

PurposeThe optimal management of rare tumours (i.e. from accurate diagnosis to management in reference centres) is a public health challenge. In 2009, the French National Cancer Institute (INCa) identified and financially supported the two expert networks for pathological and clinical diagnosis and management of soft tissue tumours. MethodsThe activities of both networks were prospectively collected using a nationwide database (rreps.org). Data describing the diagnosis management of 863 successive cases of desmoids tumours (DT) were prospectively collected from 2010 to 2013 and analysed. ResultsThe number of confirmed DT constantly improved from January 2010 to December 2013 (from 173 to 273 cases per year); the expected incidence ranged from 132 to 330 cases/year. The rate of cases diagnosed with core-needle biopsies and CTNNB1 mutational status analysis increased from 30.6 to 40.7% and from 87.8 to 94.1%, respectively. The mean delay for pathological diagnosis confirmation constantly decreased from 107 to 47 d. Among the 846 adult patients, 414 (48.9%) patients were treated by reference centres. The rate of patients managed by reference centres constantly increased with time from 36.9 to 49.5% since 2010. The median management time of the referral centres constantly decreased from 440 to 67 d. ConclusionThe two expert networks worked synergistically and improved diagnosis modalities of rare desmoid tumours at a national level. The impact of management by expert networks on the outcome will be prospectively analysed in the future.

FNAC Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Tumour (Proliferative Fascitis and Proliferative Myositis ): A Case Report

Nodular fascitis is a benign fibroblastic tumour characterized by rapid growth and most of the time requires its differentiation from other tumorous lesions. Here is a case of 45 year old male who presented with a soft tissue swelling in the popliteal region. On FNAC, a differential diagnosis of proliferative myositis and proliferative fasciitis was given. Histopathological examination gave a diagnosis of nodular fascitis. Hence cytology helps to give a definite diagnosis and aid in the surgical management of soft tissue tumors.

The role of cytogenetics and molecular diagnostics in the diagnosis of soft-tissue tumors

Soft-tissue sarcomas are rare, comprising <1% of all cancer diagnoses. Yet the diversity of histological subtypes is impressive with >100 benign and malignant soft-tissue tumor entities defined. Not infrequently, these neoplasms exhibit overlapping clinicopathologic features posing significant challenges in rendering a definitive diagnosis and optimal therapy. Advances in cytogenetic and molecular science have led to the discovery of genetic events in soft-tissue tumors that have not only enriched our understanding of the underlying biology of these neoplasms but have also proven to be powerful diagnostic adjuncts and/or indicators of molecular targeted therapy. In particular, many soft-tissue tumors are characterized by recurrent chromosomal rearrangements that produce specific gene fusions. For pathologists, identification of these fusions as well as other characteristic mutational alterations aids in precise subclassification. This review will address known recurrent or tumor-specific genetic events in soft-tissue tumors and discuss the molecular approaches commonly used in clinical practice to identify them. Emphasis is placed on the role of molecular pathology in the management of soft-tissue tumors. Familiarity with these genetic events provides important ancillary testing for pathologists to include in their diagnostic armamentarium.

Does the peritumoral fat signal on MRI exclude malignancy of soft tissue tumor?

MRI is the most sensitive imaging modality in the staging, surgical planning, and following up of malignant soft tissue tumors. However, the ability of MRI to separate benign from malignant lesions is still of limited value for this purpose. We often observe that benign soft tissue tumors are accompanied by a peritumoral fat signal on MRI. The purpose of this study was to determine the value of the peritumoral fat signal in separating benign from malignant soft tissue tumors. We retrospectively reviewed 121 patients with soft tissue tumors (52 men, 69 women; median age 54 years). Two musculoskeletal oncologists reviewed the MRI independently and reported on the presence or absence of a peritumoral fat signal. The sensitivity, specificity, and the positive and negative predictive values of the peritumoral fat signal for the prediction of benignancy of soft tissue tumors were calculated. Peritumoral fat signals were identified in 54 of 64 (84.3 %) benign and 10 of 57 (17.5 %) malignant tumors (p < 0.01). This result had a sensitivity of 84.4 %, specificity of 82.5 %, PPV of 84.4 %, and NPV of 82.5 %. This study permits the conclusion that the presence of peritumoral fat signals is seemingly an exceptional finding in malignant soft tissue tumors. Observation of this peritumoral fat signal should accordingly influence the management of soft tissue tumors.

A guide to oncological management of soft tissue tumours of the abdominal wall

An abdominal mass is a common clinical presentation, and a small percentage of such patients will have an abdominal wall tumour with the two most common pathologies being fibromatosis and soft tissue sarcoma. Here we present the available literature on the diagnosis and management of both fibromatosis and soft tissue sarcoma, in the context of our experience in a tertiary referral centre for sarcoma. Appropriate cross-sectional imaging and a pre-operative tissue diagnosis by percutaneous core biopsy are necessary to define management. Desmoid fibromatosis can be managed initially by observation with serial imaging, with surgery being reserved for those patients who demonstrate progression. Soft tissue sarcoma can display a range of pathologies from relatively indolent tumours to locally aggressive sarcomas that can readily metastasise. An accurate pre-operative histological diagnosis and staging enables a multidisciplinary approach to management. This may include chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but the mainstay of treatment remains wide surgical resection and abdominal wall reconstruction. Patient outcomes are worse if referral is delayed or if the sarcoma is incompletely resected without an initial tissue diagnosis.

Optimising the management of soft tissue tumours

The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia is developing a series of protocols as an educational tool to assist pathologists in the reporting of relevant information for specific cancer specimens. The protocol for the management of soft tissue tumour resections has recently been released, and this document elaborates the relevant literature on which that protocol drew. Sarcoma is uncommon but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and its management is complex. Diagnostic errors are not uncommon and these can have disastrous effects on patient outcome. Sophisticated ancillary testing is often an important adjunct to diagnosis and prognostication. Referral to a specialist sarcoma unit is indicated for both adult and paediatric sarcoma.

The surgical management of soft tissue tumours arising in the abdominal wall

Background Soft-tissue tumours can occur at almost any site, including the abdominal wall and represent a biologically diverse group of benign and malignant tumours. Methods A prospectively-kept database was searched to identify all patients with tumours resected that involved the abdominal wall. The histological diagnosis, complication rates and local recurrence rates were reported. Kaplan-Meier analysis of prognostic factors was determined for patients with primary abdominal wall sarcomas. Results Ninety-two patients underwent resection for tumours involving the abdominal wall. Desmoid tumours ( n = 30) and primary soft-tissue sarcomas ( n = 25) were the most common pathologies. Of 92 patients undergoing resection 87 required reconstruction of the abdominal wall defect with polypropelene mesh but only 2 patients required reconstruction of the overlying skin. There were no immediate surgical complications in patients who underwent isolated abdominal wall reconstruction and the long term incision hernia rate was 4%. Kaplan-Meier analysis for patients with primary abdominal wall sarcomas showed that local recurrence was higher in tumours > 10 cm ( p = 0.0024) and in high grade tumours ( p = 0.0021). Disease-specific survival was worst in high grade tumours ( p = 0.0010) and tumours > 10 cm ( p = 0.0042). Desmoid tumours did not recur in any patient after abdominal wall resection, irrespective of microscopic margins. Conclusions Tumours involving the abdominal wall exhibit a wide range of pathologies. Abdominal wall reconstruction can be achieved in the vast majority of cases with mesh reconstruction alone with little surgical morbidity. Sarcomas carry a significant risk of local recurrence. Abdominal wall fibromatosis carries a better prognosis than fibromatosis arising in the extremities.

PREOPERATIVE CORE BIOPSY OF SOFT TISSUE TUMOURS FACILITATES THEIR SURGICAL MANAGEMENT: A 10-YEAR UPDATE

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare. More often than not, the possibility of STS is not considered preoperatively and the lesions are enucleated. Enucleation (excisional biopsy) is inappropriate for sarcomas as it compromises the planning of definitive surgery and radiotherapy. Incisional biopsy has been regarded as the biopsy of choice by some, but it has a high rate of wound complications. The aims of the study were (i) to assess the current accuracy of core biopsy in the diagnosis of STS; (ii) to assess whether preoperative core biopsy facilitates the surgical management of soft tissue tumours; and (iii) to evaluate whether there has been an increase in the use of core biopsy before referral. Patients with soft tissue tumours managed by a surgeon with a special interest in soft STS from 1994 to 2007 were reviewed from data collected in a database prospectively. The accuracy of core biopsy in the diagnosis of soft tissue tumours and planning of definitive surgery were assessed. Ninety-four patients with 98 lesions were reviewed. Sixty-eight lesions had core biopsy. The overall sensitivity of core biopsy in diagnosing soft tissue tumours was 83.6%. It has a sensitivity of 91.3% and specificity of 100% for malignant STS. For patients who had core biopsy, 95% had one-stage surgery; those who had no core biopsy, only 45% had one-stage surgery (P value <0.001). Core biopsy is accurate in the diagnosis of soft tissue tumours. It is safe and does not have the complications of open biopsy. It enables most patients to have one-stage surgery.

Approach to the Management of Soft Tissue Tumors of the Foot and Ankle

To properly treat soft tissue tumors, the foot and ankle surgeon must start with an adequate fund of knowledge and follow a systematic approach. Some malignant soft tumors have a predilection for the foot and ankle, and they may mimic common musculoskeletal conditions, leading to a trap for the unwary clinician. This review will familiarize the practitioner with the common soft tissue tumors that occur in the foot and ankle along with their presentations. A systematic approach to the workup is outlined, which is designed to establish the diagnosis with a significant degree of certainty before the surgical treatment of the tumor is planned. A practical and reliable method of distinguishing benign tumors from those that are potentially malignant is presented. Finally, the techniques for surgical management of the common soft tissue tumors are summarized.