Sarcoma and metastatic carcinoma

Abstract

Primary tumors of the bone and soft tissue of the pelvis are rare. Proper surgical treatment requires a fundamental knowledge of the biology of malignant musculoskeletal neoplasms. This understanding allows stratification of sarcomas into a staging system. In addition to prognostic value, the careful staging of the neoplasms dictates the type of surgical margins necessary and guides in the use of adjuvant therapy. Limb salvage techniques developed for the reconstruction of major extremity structural deficits can be used for reconstruction of the pelvis. This review first addresses the biologic behavior and staging of malignant musculoskeletal neoplasms. The surgical techniques employed for the resection and the reconstruction of the pelvis are then discussed.