Soft tissues which are most widespread in body have common mesenchymal
derivation and comprise a variety of more differentiated specific and undifferentiated
nonspecific types.
In general the cell types of the tumors of the soft tissue tend to closely resemble to a
variable degree their prototype tissues. However, often, because of their pleuripotentiality
and common mesenchymal derivation they show wide morphological range and may
present similar growth characteristics lacking in morphologic individuality.
Therefore classification of soft tissue tumors on a histogenetic basis is not easily
accomplished and controversy concerning the classification has existed for years.
Stout (1966), Enzinger (1969), Shuman (1971), Ackerman (1974) erall have made
valuable contribution to the understanding of many of the soft tissue tumors by a
variety of the special diagnostic techniques which brought about great advances in the
classification and more accurate microscopic diagnosis of soft tissue tumors.
However, there is no comprehensive report on soft tissue tumors among Koreans
based on clinical and histopathological aspects.
The present study is an attempt to refine classification of the soft tissue tumors, to
investigate Clinico-histopathological characteristics and diagnostic values of selective
special stains which seem to be helpful in differential diagnosis.
Material and Method
The materials used in this study consisted of 502 cases of benign and malignant
tumors of soft tissue origin for 6.5 years period lasting from 1971 to 1977. The
histopathological study was attempted by microscopic examination following gross
inspection, and tinctorial characteristics of selective special stains uire investigated.
For all cases of soft tissue tumors whose clinical records were available, age, sex,
location, chief complaints, duration, size, multiplicity, therapeutic modality, recurrence
were investigated.
Results and Summary
Based on clinical and histopathological studies of 502 cases of benign and malignant
tumors, which were submitted to the Department of Pathology, Yonsei University,
College of Medicine during the period of 6 years and 5 months from Jan., 1971 to May,
1977, following results are obtained.
1. Among 502 cases, 431 cases (85.9%) were benign and 71 cases (14.1%) were
malignant, with ratio of approximately 6 : 1.
2. Lipoma was the most common benign soft tissue tumor, followed by hemangioma
Iymphangioma, and neurilemoma. Among the malignant tumors fitrosarcoma was the
'most common, followed by liposarcoma, and Rhabdomyosarcoma.
3. The sex distribution of benign tumors showed slight female preponderance (1.3 : 1),
but that of the malignant tumors was about 3 times more common in males than in
females.
4. The age of benign tumors was rather evenly distributed from childhood to advanced
age, while the majority of malignant tumors developed in adult age group.
5. The predilections for the benign tumors were head, neck and trunk, while those of
the malignant tumors were lower extremity and trunk. But the specific predilection sites
differed according to the histological types.
6. The clinical course of malignant tumors was rapid compared to benign ones.
7. Most of the benign tumors were fairly well controlled by local excision, but for the
malignant tumors therapeutic modalities such as wide excision, chemotherapy and
radiotherapy were used.
8. The special stains provided great diagnostic aid, but other specific diagnostic
techniques such as electron microscopy, tissue culture and enzyme study were desired to
accomplish more accurate microscopic diagnosis.
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