Abstract
Aims: To establish the frequency and demographics of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) presenting in the lower limb.
Methods: Patients presenting to a tertiary referral orthopaedic oncology unit over a 10-year period were prospectively entered into a computerised database. The site of primary STS and demographic details were also recorded.
Results: 1519 STS in all body regions were treated. 1067 (70.2%) within the lower limb. 57.0% thigh, 13.0% calf, 8.2% foot and ankle, 7.7% buttock, 5.7% knee, 4.6% pelvis and 3.8% in the groin. There was a male predominance (56.2%). M:F ratio was 2.5:1 for the groin and 1.3:1 for the thigh with the other body regions approximately equal.
Conclusion: The majority of STS are found in the lower limb. In this large series there was a male predominance most marked in groin presentations.
Correspondence should be addressed to BOOS at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35 - 43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN
