Use of Ultrasound for Evaluation of a Large Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma in the Lower Extremity of an Elderly Male

Cureus. 2022 Oct 10;14(10):e30153. doi: 10.7759/cureus.30153. eCollection 2022 Oct.

Abstract

Soft tissue sarcomas arise infrequently and make up less than 1% of all cancers. An undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), formerly known as a malignant fibrous histiocytoma, is a malignant subtype of soft tissue sarcoma identified by a lack of specific immunohistochemical markers for lineage differentiation. These tumors are aggressive and enlarge rapidly with an increased risk of metastasis, thus prompt diagnosis, treatment, and post-resection surveillance are imperative. This case report demonstrates an incidental finding of a large undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the posterior thigh in an 86-year-old male initially evaluated with a bedside ultrasound.

Keywords: malignant fibrous histiocytic sarcoma; malignant fibrous histiocytoma; sarcoma; soft tissue neoplasm; undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports