Soft tissue sarcomas in skin: presentations and management

Soft tissue sarcomas are a rare but heterogeneous family of malignant tumors that are predominantly found deep to the integumentary layer. Only a small number of these primary mesenchymal tumors actually originate from the dermal layers. A systematic approach to the evaluation and workup of these neoplasms can prevent inappropriate management. After staging evaluation, most of these tumors are primarily managed with en-bloc surgical resection. Other adjuvant therapies routinely employed include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Proper treatment typically involves participation of a multidisciplinary care team for optimal outcome. General principles and treatment strategies will be discussed along with a review of the more common cutaneous manifestations of sarcoma.