Soft Tissue Tumors

Abstract

Similar to bone lesions, soft tissue masses exist along a spectrum of disorders from non-neoplastic conditions to benign neoplasia to aggressive soft tissue malignancies. The presentation of any entity along this spectrum can mimic that of another, which leads to diagnostic confusion and inappropriate treatment. The goal of the treating surgeon is to make an appropriate diagnosis, which prevents overtreatment of benign conditions and undertreatment or inappropriate treatment of malignant ones. This chapter will focus on a systematic approach to making a diagnosis in the setting of a soft tissue mass and introduce the principles of treatment. Time will be spent on several of the more common entities encountered in clinical practice.