The initial evaluation of a suspicious soft tissue mass is critical to a potentially successful therapeutic outcome. In addition, although the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas often requires a multidisciplinary approach, surgical resection remains the principal therapy for these tumors. Within the Division of Surgical Oncology, we have significant expertise in the evaluation and treatment of both benign and malignant soft tissue neoplasms (including giant lipomas, leiomyomas, desmoids, and extremity, truncal, visceral, or retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas).

In the setting of a multidisciplinary national comprehensive cancer center, we can develop the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan for your tumor. This includes state-of-the-art imaging capabilities and minimally invasive biopsy techniques (such as percutaneous and radiologically guided core needle biopsy). Based on the pathologic diagnosis, we can then determine the need for and timing of other treatment modalities (radiation, chemotherapy, etc.) in addition to surgery.

From a surgical standpoint, we routinely perform complex soft tissue resections of both primary and recurrent tumors with an emphasis on preservation of function. In select patients, there is also a role for resection or ablation of isolated metastatic disease. Finally, we can also perform isolated limb perfusion for locally advanced, unresectable extremity sarcomas in an attempt to shrink the tumor to the point where amputation may not be necessary.

As radiation therapy is often an important part of achieving local control of soft tissue sarcomas, we work very closely with our Radiation Oncologists to formulate the most appropriate way to deliver radiation, if necessary. In addition to pre-operative or post-operative external beam therapy, we have the ability to deliver brachytherapy in appropriate patients. Brachytherapy is a form of localized radiation given over a short period of time in the immediate post-operative period. Small hollow plastic tubes called "brachycatheters" are placed at the time of surgical resection over areas where very focal radiation is desired. After allowing a few days for healing, radiation therapy is given through these catheters as 1-2 treatments per day over 3-5 days (as opposed to weeks). Once the brachytherapy is completed, the catheters are simply removed at the bedside. This technique is frequently used for recurrent tumors in the setting of previous radiation or for known close margins at the time of the original resection.

In addition to more traditional therapy for soft tissue tumors, we are also actively involved in clinical research regarding the role of chemotherapy in the treatment of sarcomas, regional deliver of chemotherapy (extremity, intraperitoneal, intrahepatic), and molecular changes associated with soft tissue neoplasms.