Soft-tissue sarcomas in dogs: a review

Abstract

Soft-tissue sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors with similar biological behaviors. Wide surgical excision remains the cornerstone of treatment for these tumors. Local recurrence is common following conservative resection, and recurrent tumors are more difficult to treat. Radiation therapy or re-excision with wider margins is indicated if excision is microscopically incomplete. Chemotherapy is often recommended as an adjunctive treatment for high-grade soft-tissue sarcomas because of their higher metastasis rates when compared to low-or intermediate-grade soft-tissue sarcomas. Knowledge of extent of disease and histological grade is helpful in guiding treatment choices.