HISTOPATHOLOGICAL PATTERN OF SOFT TISSUE TUMORS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN NORTH INDIA: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Soft tissue tumors are a diverse group of lesions arising from the supporting soft tissue of the body. Though pathologically diverse, they frequently exhibit similar clinical presentations and radiological features. Correct histopathological diagnosis is therefore crucial for further management. 

Aim/Objectives: To evaluate the spectrum of benign as well as malignant soft tissue tumors in a tertiary care centre in North India.

Material and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out in the Department of Pathology from April 2017 to March 2018. All cases of soft tissue tumors in this period were included in the study. Gross findings were recorded from Histopathology request forms. Histology slides stained with haematoxylin and eosin stain were reviewed and findings recorded. 

Results: Majority of patients were males with maximum cases in the 4^th decade. Of all soft tissue tumors, 90.4% were benign, 4.0 % intermediate and 5.6% were malignant. Benign Adipocytic tumors (48.0%) were the commonest soft tissue tumors, followed by benign vascular tumors (24.0%). Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma was the commonest malignant neoplasm in our study (42.8 %).

Conclusions: Soft tumors pose diagnostic challenges because of confounding morphological characteristics. The incidence of benign tumors (90.4%) was much higher than malignant tumors in our study with benign lipomatous tumors (48.0%) being most common tumors.

Keywords: Histopathology; Tumors; Lipomatous; Malignant