Saudi Journal of Pathology and Microbiology (SJPM)
Volume-4 | Issue-08 | 581-585
Review Article
The Histopathological Grading Of Soft Tissue Sarcomas: A Review
Fahd Refai
Published : Aug. 10, 2019
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a rare a highly heterogeneous set of malignant mesenchymal neoplasms. Histological
grading plays a central role in the assessment and management of patients with STS, since histological gradeis
prognostic, contributes to clinical staging, and is also predictive of chemotherapy responses so drives clinical decisionmaking on the use of adjuvant chemotherapy. Here we review the main histopathological grading systems andthe main
considerations for the practising pathologist when grading STS. We highlight that histological STS gradingis not without
its limitations, not least in classifying 50% of tumours as of uncertain behaviour (grade 2). However, recent
developments in molecular risk stratification hold promise for molecular grading of STS with the ultimate goal of
personalising therapy based on molecular profiles.