Patterns of spread of recurrent intraabdominal sarcoma

Abstract

Literature exists on the pattern of dissemination of extremity sarcomas; however, little has been published on the patterns of progression of surgically treated retroperitoneal and visceral sarcoma. Vezeridis and Wanebo commented that gastrointestinal sarcomas spread via three routes — local invasion, peritoneal implantation, and hematogenous dissemination [1], They pointed out, and this has become generally accepted, that spread through the lymphatics is a less common occurrence than with adenocarcinoma. Glenn and coworkers documented the patterns of recurrence of soft tissue sarcomas of the retroperitoneum [2]. Peritoneal Sarcomatosis was the most common form of recurrence seen in 7 of 16 (44%) patients. This report cited many differences between sarcomas of the extremity and those of the retroperitoneum. The one of interest was that retroperitoneal tumors were more often adjacent to major vessels, such as the aorta, vena cava, and superior mesenteric vessels. Also, Potter and coworkers acknowledged the tendency of primary sarcomas of the trunk, retroperitoneum, and head and neck also to be more likely to arise in close proximity to vital structures [3].