Evaluation and Staging of Soft Tissue Sarcoma and Bone Sarcoma

Sarcomas can be broadly classified into sarcomas of the bone (~20%) and soft tissue sarcomas (~80%). Their annual incidence is estimated to be 5 per 100,000 population. Primary bone tumors are rare, constituting <0.2% of all cancers. Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant neoplasm derived from primitive bone-forming (osteoid-producing) mesenchymal cells. It is the most common primary bone tumor in children and young adults. Bone pain is the most common presenting symptom, which worsens with activity. Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are relatively rare tumors, comprising approximately 1% of all adult malignancies. It is a broad term that refers to a group of rare malignant tumors that arise from the mesenchymal tissues, which include muscle, fat, connective tissues, blood vessels, nerves, and other soft tissues in the body. This chapter will describe the presentation and evaluation of various bone and soft tissue sarcomas.