Soft tissue tumor excision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of abnormal or cancerous growths that develop in the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fatty tissues. The procedure is often used to treat sarcomas, which are rare types of cancer that can develop in the soft tissues.

The soft tissue tumor excision procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, and the surgeon will use a scalpel or other surgical instrument to remove the tumor along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue. The size of the margin of healthy tissue that is removed depends on the type and stage of the tumor.

After the tumor is removed, the wound may be closed with sutures, staples, or skin glue, depending on the size and location of the incision. In some cases, a skin graft or flap may be necessary to close the wound. Removing the tumor through soft tissue tumor excision allows for a more accurate diagnosis, as the tissue can be examined in a laboratory to determine if it is benign or cancerous.

Recovery time depends on the size and location of the excision, as well as the individual’s overall health. Most people can resume normal activities within a few weeks, but it may take several months for the wound to fully heal. Soft tissue tumor excision is generally considered safe and has a low risk of complications, especially when performed by an experienced surgeon.

Types of Soft Tissue Tumors

There are many different types of soft tissue tumors, and their incidence can vary depending on the specific type of tumor. Some common types of soft tissue tumors include:

Lipomas

Lipomas are benign tumors that develop in the fat cells of the body. They are the most common type of soft tissue tumor, accounting for around 50% of all soft tissue tumors.

Leiomyomas

Leiomyomas are benign tumors that develop in the smooth muscle cells of the body. They are most commonly found in the uterus, but can also develop in other parts of the body.

Schwannomas

Schwannomas are benign tumors that develop in the cells that wrap around nerve fibers. They can develop in any part of the body, but are most commonly found in the head, neck, and limbs.

Fibrosarcomas

Fibrosarcomas are malignant tumors that develop in the fibrous tissues of the body, such as tendons and ligaments. They are relatively rare, accounting for less than 1% of all soft tissue tumors.

Liposarcomas

Liposarcomas are malignant tumors that develop in the fat cells of the body. They are the second most common type of soft tissue tumor, accounting for around 10-20% of all soft tissue tumors.

Synovial Sarcomas

Synovial sarcomas are malignant tumors that develop in the cells that line the joints, tendons, and bursae of the body. They are relatively rare, accounting for around 5-10% of all soft tissue tumors.

The incidence of soft tissue tumors can vary depending on the specific type of tumor. Lipomas and liposarcomas are the most common types of soft tissue tumors, while other types of soft tissue tumors, such as fibrosarcomas and synovial sarcomas, are relatively rare. It is important to have any suspicious growths evaluated promptly by a qualified healthcare provider to determine if further testing or treatment is necessary.

Medical Review: This procedural information has been medically reviewed by plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Brian A. Cripe, M.D.