Tumours of MSK system

Question 1

What is a sarcoma?

Answer 1

Malignant connective tissue neoplasm (Rare tumour of mesenchymal origin)

Question 2

What percentage of overall sarcomas are made up by soft tissue tumours?

Answer 2

80% Soft Tissue

- 20% Bony tumours

Question 3

What are 3 examples of soft tissue tumours?

Answer 3

1) Liposarcoma (Adipose tissue)
2) Leiomyosarcoma (Smooth muscle)
3) Rhabdomyosarcoma (Skeletal Muscle)

Question 4

What are 3 bony sarcomas?

Answer 4

1) Osteosarcoma
2) Ewing’s sarcoma
3) Chondrosarcoma

Question 5

What are the 3 main features of an osteosarcoma?

Answer 5

1) Fast growing
2) Aggressive
3) Typically affects 15-17 y/o

Question 6

What treatment does Ewing’s sarcoma respond well to?

Answer 6

Chemotherapy

Question 7

What are 2 main red flag symptoms for a sarcoma?

Answer 7

1) Non-mechanical pain

2) Pain at night time

Question 8

What are the main signs suggesting malignancy and confirmatory diagnosis?

Answer 8

1) lump >5cm
2) Lump increasing in size
3) Lump deep to the fascia
4) Pain

Question 9

What investigations may be done in someone who you would suspect to have a sarcoma?

Answer 9

1) MRI
2) Core Needle Biopsy
3) CT scan

Question 10

What is the main treatment process for a sarcoma?

Answer 10

1) MDT meeting
2) Surgery for localised soft tissue sarcomas (Allow for wide margin)
3) Amputation
4) Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy if not resectable

Question 11

What treatment should be given if unable to get a wide margin whilst resecting a sarcoma?

Answer 11

Adjuvant radiotherapy