Cutaneous sarcoma: a review and practical approach to management

Abstract

Sarcomas arising in the skin are rare but potentially fatal. These tumours originate from mesenchymal cells and can be divided between those that arise in soft tissue and those arising from bone. General guidelines exist for the management of soft-tissue sarcomas; however, there are no specific guidelines for cutaneous sarcomas. Current literature was reviewed for management of seven cutaneous sarcomas including atypical fibroxanthoma, pleomorphic dermal sarcoma, dermal and subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma, dermatofibroma sarcoma protuberans, Kaposi sarcoma, cutaneous angiosarcoma and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour. All suspected sarcomas should be discussed in a sarcoma multidisciplinary team meeting. This article is not a clinical guideline but should serve as a practical summary of how these tumours present, how they are recognized histologically, and how best to manage and follow-up patients. The aim is to support clinicians and facilitate the best and most evidence-based standard of care available.