The role of margins in extremity soft tissue sarcoma

J Surg Oncol. 2016 Mar;113(3):333-8. doi: 10.1002/jso.24112. Epub 2015 Dec 10.

Abstract

For extremity soft tissue sarcomas, limb salvage is now standard of care. The extent of surgical margins is balanced with functionality of the resected limb. Although negative margins are the goal, the necessary width is unclear. Additional considerations for margin adequacy include presence of anatomic barriers such as fascia and periosteum, proximity of critical structures, receipt of adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies, and histologic subtype. Multidisciplinary team discussion is critical for treatment planning.

Keywords: extremity; margins; soft tissue sarcoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Extremities* / pathology
  • Extremities* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Limb Salvage
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy / methods
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / prevention & control*
  • Neoplasm, Residual / prevention & control
  • Sarcoma / pathology
  • Sarcoma / prevention & control*
  • Sarcoma / surgery*
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / pathology
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Surgical Procedures, Operative* / methods
  • Surgical Procedures, Operative* / standards