A multimodality approach to the management of soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities, with emphasis on limb preservation.

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Medicine in Therapeutic Radiology.Soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities were previously treated either with wide excision alone, leading to a 30 to 50% local recurrence rate, or amputation, which although lead to a recurrence rate of less than 5%, caused significant physical and psychological morbidity. In addition to the :risk of local recurrence, distant metaatases occur in 30 to 50% of high grade lesions.(Abbreviation abstract)Andrew Chakane 201