Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma: A High Incidence of Metastatic Disease to Lymph Nodes

Description

In this presentation, Matthew Claxton discusses a retrospective study focused on extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (ESMC), a rare subtype of soft tissue sarcoma. The research aims to assess the incidence of lymph node metastasis in ESMC patients and its implications for treatment outcomes. Claxton begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to present and acknowledges his co-authors.



The study highlights the uncommon occurrence of lymph node metastasis in soft tissue sarcoma, particularly in ESMC, where data on lymphatic spread is sparse. Claxton summarizes the objectives of their study, which includes determining metastasis rates and evaluating treatment outcomes. The cohort studied comprised 30 patients who underwent tumor resection between 1982 and 2017, with a mean follow-up of seven years, primarily involving tumors located in the lower extremity.



Key findings include a 20% incidence of lymph node metastasis among these patients, with treatment methods varying from lymphadenectomy to radiotherapy. Additionally, it was found that 53% of patients experienced any form of metastatic disease, emphasizing the association between larger tumor sizes and local recurrence as risk factors for metastasis. Survival rates indicate that five-year disease-specific survival was 80%, decreasing to 57% at ten years.



The study further reveals that patients with lymph node metastases had poorer survival rates compared to those without, although they fared better than patients with distant metastases. The local recurrence-free survival rates were noted, with complications post-surgery being relatively common, particularly wound healing issues.



Ultimately, the results advocate for the importance of staging studies and prompt the consideration of sentinel lymph node biopsies in ESMC patients to improve detection and potentially modify treatment strategies. Claxton concludes his presentation with a call for further research into the role of lymph node evaluation in managing this complex sarcoma subtype.

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