POSTIRRADIATION SOFT-TISSUE SARCOMA

From 1975 to 1993, 11 of 375 patients treated for soft tissue sarcoma presented with post-irradiation sarcoma. The mean time interval betwee n irradiation therapy and onset of the second neoplasm was 15.8 years (4-31 years). The total radiation dosage ranged from 12 to 60 Gy with a mean of 40 Gy. All patients had complete staging including CT or MRI of the tumour site, and CT of the lung. Surgical resection was the tr eatment of choice. Wide margins could be achieved in 10 patients. One had a marginal resection. Tumours included malignant fibrous histiocyt oma, haemangiosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, malignant schwannoma, fibrosa rcoma and undifferentiated sarcoma. All patients were reassessed in ou r outpatient clinic. After a mean follow-up of 4.7 years (1.0-11.5 yea rs), only 1 patient had died because of the tumour. Although post-irra diation sarcomas are rather infrequently observed, these tumours must be suspected when alterations or symptoms occur in a previously irradi ated region. Early detection provides the chance of curative, wide mar gin resection.