Abstract
Lymph node metastasis in soft tissue sarcoma is considered to be a rare event (1.6–8.2%), From 1986 to 2001 1066 patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma were treated surgically (+/− adjuvant therapy) at our institution.
Thirty-nine patients (3.6%) were identified with lymph node metastasis, most common histological subtypes were: Epitheliod sarcoma (3/15), rhabdomyosarcoma (4/21), clear cell sarcoma (2/18), and angiosarcoma (2/18).
Comparing expected five- year survivorship, we found that surprisingly in this study, extremity soft tissue sarcoma patients initially presenting with lymph node metastases had survival comparable to patients with high grade soft tissue sarcoma and no metastases.
To determine the outcome in patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the limbs that presented with lymph node metastasis (LNM) at diagnosis or developed them after it, comparing to all STS of limbs population that was treated at our center.
LNM in soft tissue sarcoma is considered to be a rare event (1.6–8.2%) with a devastating effect on the outcome,our study represent one of the largest reported cohorts, and suggest that agressive approach to LNM might contribute to survivorship.
Thirty-nine patients (3.6%) were identified with LNM along their course of disease
Thirteen patients presented with both lymphatic and systemic disease while twenty-six had isolated LNM at time of diagnosis. The mean follow-up from diagnosis of the primary tumor was 46.3 months (range zero to one hundred and forty-eight), and from diagnosis of lymph node involvement was 29.9 months (range zero to one hundred and twenty).
Expected five year survival in patients initially presenting with LNM was comparable to patients with high grade soft tissue sarcoma and no metastases.
From Jan’ 1986 to Dec’ 2001 1066 patients with extremity STS were treated at our institution.
Fifteen patients presented with LNM at time of first diagnosis, and twenty-four subsequently developed LNM after it.
Linear regression analysis and Kaplan-meier curves were used to compare expected survivorship in all patients with STS of limbs.
Comparing expected five- year survivorship, we found that Surprisingly in this study, extremity STS patients initially presenting with LNM had survival comparable to patients with high grade soft tissue sarcoma and no metastases.
Correspondence should be addressed to Cynthia Vezina, Communications Manager, COA, 4150-360 Ste. Catherine St. West, Westmount, QC H3Z 2Y5, Canada
