Wide resection and extensive reconstruction of soft tissue sarcomas in the upper limb. A case report

Zhanqiang Hua; Qingrong Ye; Wangjun Yan; Zhiqiang Wu

doi:10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109530

Wide resection and extensive reconstruction of soft tissue sarcomas in the upper limb. A case report

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2024 Apr:117:109530. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109530. Epub 2024 Mar 18.

Authors

Zhanqiang Hua¹, Qingrong Ye², Wangjun Yan³, Zhiqiang Wu⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Electric Power Hospital, Shanghai 200050, China.
² Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
³ Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China. Electronic address: yanwj@fudan.edu.cn.
⁴ Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China. Electronic address: 22111230076@m.fudan.edu.cn.

Abstract

Introduction: Upper limb soft tissue sarcomas are extremely rare and can be misdiagnosed as benign, leading to unplanned excisions. Unplanned excisions and local recurrences pose significant challenges for the subsequent treatment of patients.

Presentation of case: A patient with a forearm soft tissue sarcoma who underwent unplanned excisions and experienced multiple recurrences. In the most recent treatment, she underwent wide tumor excision combined with thigh free flap transplantation for reconstruction. The reconstruction surgery successfully addressed the extensive soft tissue defect. During the three-year follow-up, there was no tumor recurrence observed, alongside the restoration of upper arm function.

Discussion: Challenges and considerations in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are discussed.

Conclusion: Unplanned excisions and local recurrences of upper limb soft tissue sarcomas present significant challenges for surgery. Patients should be referred to specialized cancer centers for multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: Free flap transplantation; Local recurrence; Soft tissue sarcomas; Unplanned excision.

Publication types

Case Reports