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27: Evaluation and Management of Sarcomas

DOI:

10.1891/9780826121646.0027

Authors

  • Maki, Robert G.

Abstract

Sarcomas constitute less than 1% of all cancers diagnosed annually, with ~15,000 people estimated to develop a sarcoma in 2018 in the United States. Approximately half of the patients with newly diagnosed sarcoma will die of this disease. This chapter provides a brief description on evaluation and management of sarcomas. The principles of sarcoma management are consistent between patients, and are highlighted in this chapter. New and advancing modalities of care are improving survival for patients with sarcomas of all forms. Surgical approaches have benefitted from improvements in tumor imaging, which now make limb-sparing surgeries routine. Improved techniques in tissue transfer make reconstruction of very large tissue defects feasible. Intensity modulated radiation therapy and proton irradiation are improving local control of tumors. With advances in local and systemic therapy the burden of disease becomes smaller over time, making the rehabilitation for such patients easier as well.