Spectrum of soft tissue tumours at tertiary care center

Introduction: In the recent years, there is an upward trend in the incidence of soft tissue tumors due to advances in diagnostic modalities. Histopathology is the reliable guide for diagnosis, but immunohistochemistry and cytogenetics provide greater accuracy. Aims and Objective: The present study was aimed at evaluation of spectrum of soft tissue tumours and to categorize them into revised WHO classification of soft tissue tumours 2013. Study highlights common type of tumours, age and sex distribution. Materials and Methods: The present study is a retroprospective study of 276 specimens. Tissue was processed as per the standard protocol. Pertinent clinical data were retrieved from case records. Thorough microscopic examination was done. A panel of immunostains was applied as per the merit of the case for final diagnosis. Data were analyzed and tumours were categorized as per WHO classification 2013. Results: Major contributors were benign consisting 91.3% of cases, followed by intermediate 5.44% and malignant tumours 3.26%. Adipocytic tumours were the commonest subtype (70.23%), followed by nerve sheath tumours (17.46%). Amongst malignant category, wide ranges of tumours were found. Conclusion: Light microscopy is indispensible but greater accuracy can be achieved by performing ancillary techniques like immunohistochemistry, cytogenetics and electron microscopy for definitive diagnosis. IHC has therapeutic implications in sarcomas like rhabdomyosarcomas, epithelioid sarcoma, clear cell sarcoma, desmoplastic round cell tumour and gastrointestinal stromal tumours