Retroperitoneal and Other Central Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Soft tissue sarcomas involving anatomic zones other than the extremities are rare and have generally been treated by surgical resection. Since the production of evidence that radiation therapy can increase local control in soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities (Rosenberg et al. 1982), radiotherapy has been used more frequently postoperatively. Surgical resection of soft tissue sarcomas of the retroperitoneum, head and neck, trunk, or pelvis will achieve clear margins in only a few cases. Success in this respect depends not only on tumor size and technical skills but also on the anatomic site involved by tumor.