Why the first operation is decisive
Piecemeal removal or an unplanned excision compromises local control and makes later surgery harder. Compartmental, en-bloc resection with a planned envelope of adjacent structures gives the best chance of a complete resection.
Planning
Cross-sectional imaging, image-guided core biopsy for histological subtype and grade, assessment of renal function in case nephrectomy is needed, and consideration of preoperative radiotherapy or chemotherapy for selected subtypes.
Recovery and surveillance
These are open operations with a hospital stay commonly of seven to ten days. Surveillance imaging of the abdomen and chest continues for years because late recurrence is recognised in this disease.
Common questions
- Will I lose a kidney?
- Sometimes. Nephrectomy is planned when the tumour is inseparable from the kidney, and renal reserve is checked beforehand.
- Is radiotherapy used?
- Preoperative radiotherapy is considered for certain subtypes and sites, decided at the sarcoma tumour board.
This page is general education, reviewed by Dr. Ishaan Allahabadi, MCh Surgical Oncology (Edge Hill, UK) · MS Surgery · MBBS (Accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England). It is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Treatment decisions are made after reviewing your imaging and pathology, in a multidisciplinary tumour board.