Abstract
The first purpose of this study was to survey patterns of unusual metastatic spread of soft tissue sarcoma in patients treated at the Musculoskeletal Tumour Unit in Pretoria, and the second to make recommendations regarding the treatment and follow-up of patients.
In 3671 cases of musculoskeletal tumours treated from 1986 to 2003, 346 cases of soft tissue sarcoma were reported. Unusual metastases were present in 11 male and four female patients, ranging in age from 15 to 76 years. The interval between diagnosis and first metastasis ranged from 1 to 56 months. Pulmonary metastases occurred in only six patients, all with metastases in unusual sites. In 10 patients the unusual metastases were diagnosed after the patients themselves had discovered them on self-examination. Meticulous clinical examination combined with radiographs, CT scan and ultrasonographic examinations led to the diagnosis of the other metastases.
This series highlights the importance of referring patients to tumour centres, where the multidisciplinary management approach facilitates the implementation of coordinated surveillance strategies and the early detection and treatment of distant metastases.
Secretary: Dr H.J.S. Colyn, Editor: Professor M.B.E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to SAOA, Box 47363, Parklands, Johannesburg, 2121, South Africa.
