Abstract
Background
Although soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a rare malignancy, myxofibrosarcoma is a common form diagnosed. Myxofibrosarcoma is complicated by a high local recurrence rate (18–54%) and significant morbidity following treatment, hence management can be challenging.
Patients and Methods
Patients treated between 2003–2012 were identified via a database within the histopathology department and case notes were retrospectively assessed. All histology samples were reviewed by a senior histopathologist to ensure a correct diagnosis.
Results
29 patients (12 male, 17 female) with an average age of 61 years (range 19–89 years) underwent surgery at a single centre, with 24 patients receiving adjuvant and two receiving neo-adjuvant radiotherapy. 22 patients had lower limb and 7 had upper limb tumours. 3 were treated for secondary recurrence after having primary surgery elsewhere. 21 patients had Trojani Grade 2 or 3 tumours. All underwent limb-sparing surgery initially but six patients (20.7%) suffered local recurrence after an average follow-up of 28 months and all ultimately required above knee amputation. Four patients developed wound infection, with one requiring VAC therapy. One patient required a flap repair of the forearm. 5-year survival rate was 87.5%.
Conclusions
Our results compare favourably against results published so far in the literature with a low local recurrence rate and mortality. Limb-sparing surgery aims to reduce morbidity and disability following treatment but more research is required in adjuvant treatments to further reduce the risk of local recurrence of tumour.
