A Five-Year Review of Soft Tissue Tumors with Intermediate Malignant Potential and Soft Tissue Sarcomas in a Tertiary Hospital: University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital

Abstract

Objective. Describe the epidemiology of Soft Tissue Tumors with Intermediate Malignant Potential (STTI) and Soft Tissue Sarcomas (STS) diagnosed in Philippine General Hospital, Department of Laboratories, Section of Surgical Pathology, from years 2014 to 2018.

Methodology. We utilized a descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study design and involved all newly-diagnosed cases of STTI and STS that fit the specified set of inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results. Out of 1896 cases of probable STTI and STS on initial screening, 680 cases (36%) were included in the study. Of the 1216 excluded cases, 815 (43%) needed ancillary diagnostic workup for definitive classification. Sarcoma, Not Otherwise Specified (n=149; 21.9%; 95% CI [18.80, 25.02]) was the most common diagnosis, followed by gastrointestinal stromal tumor (n=91; 13.4%; 95% CI [10.82, 15.94]) and leiomyosarcoma (n=62; 9.1%; 95% CI [6.95%, 11.28%]). Median age was 47 years, with a slight female predominance (n=371; 55%; 0.83 male to female ratio). The extremities (n=244, 36%) were the most frequent site.

Conclusion. The significant amount of cases excluded in the study may account for the differences of distribution. Despite the increased immunohistochemistry tests available, there is still an apparent inaccessibility to ancillary diagnostic methods that are necessary in the diagnosis of STTI and STS.