removal of soft tissue tumors

Removal of soft tissue tumors – synonyms & principle

synonyms: Extirpation of soft tissue tumors

principle: Removal of a tumor under the skin surface in the soft tissue (e.g. lipoma) and subsequent optimal closure of the wound or filling of the defect, with or without flap surgery

is often combined with…

• later autologous fat transfer = lipofilling
  

efficiency

The aim is usually to remove the soft tissue tumor as completely as possible and to conduct a histological examination of the material in order to initiate possible further therapy and treatment steps.

duration of surgery

very different depending on the type of tumor, size, location, etc. a few minutes to a few hours

repetition of the treatment

If a recurrence (=reappearance) of the soft tissue tumor occurs, a new removal may be necessary

If the entire tumor has not yet been removed with surgery, a follow-up operation may also be necessary or useful

Application in which body region

entire body possible

 alternatives

varies depending on the tumor –

In the case of lipomas, suction may sometimes be possible – but of course, a clear histology is not possible in this case. Lipomas are often encapsulated and are therefore not suitable for suction

decision-making aids

Essentially, these are fundamental decisionsinvolving the removal of a soft tissue tumor:

Wait or remove quickly?

Of course, this always depends on the type of tumor, the region, possible pain or danger to surrounding tissue, speed of growth, etc. – a precise analysis is always useful for this – very often with imaging such as MRI or ultrasound.

If in doubt, early removal is recommended. The operation usually does not become easier if the tumor increases in size.

Preparation

Good planning and preparation is important when removing soft tissue tumors. However, in some cases, changes to the plan may be necessary during the operation.

cut=scar

An incision is almost always necessary when removing soft tissue tumors. A certain incision length is also necessary - for the sake of overview and accessibility. The best possible cutting direction and position of the incision is always important. A longer incision in a more hidden position in the correct direction can, for example, be less conspicuous than a very short incision with a lot of tension on the wound and subsequent scarring, poor positioning and in an area that is very conspicuous.

What type of anesthesia?

Smaller soft tissue tumors can be easily removed under local anesthesia.

For larger areas, a gentle general anesthetic is usually more suitable.

The optimal form of anesthesia will always be part of the discussions before the operation.

follow-up treatment

It depends a lot on the histological findings. Depending on the type of tumor, tumor size, etc., follow-up checks at certain intervals are advisable. Optimal aftercare of the scar also makes sense, of course.

What should you have heard/read before having a soft tissue tumor removed?

In many cases it makes sense (if known) not to wait too long to remove the soft tissue tumor - the operation is usually more complex and complicated. Pain and more can also be associated with an increase in size.

Prejudices

Will go away again.

facts

In most cases, actual soft tissue tumors do not simply disappear – therefore, timely removal is recommended before the tumor grows larger and causes problems.

possible side effects/complications

• postoperative bleeding
• infection, impaired wound healing, necrosis
• scar
• Defect of soft tissue at the site of removal of the soft tissue tumor
• Nerve weakness, but theoretically also permanent nerve paralysis
• numb feeling
• re-cutting, follow-up surgery
• recurrence of the tumor

details Information on possible complications can be found in the information documents

In summary, good preparation (information, explanation, preliminary examinations, analysis, imaging, etc.) and the surgeon’s experience are important factors for the successful removal of a soft tissue tumor

You should avoid…

long wait – especially if the tumor increases in size

anesthesia

Possible anesthesiaforms

• Local anesthesia for smaller tumors
• possibly twilight sleep
• for larger tumors, usually gentle general anesthesia

the operation

Deadlines must be met in Austria (surgery information and anesthesia information) – this results in a waiting time of around 2 weeks from the decision to have surgery to the operation itself. However, this does not normally play a role in tumor growth

No blood-thinning medication until 10 days before surgery

Often, accurate imaging is useful for planning

the operation

Rest for 3 weeks in the sense of:

• do not lift more than 5-6kg
• nothing jerky
• do not irritate the wound (heat, sun, dirt, sweating, etc.)

Scar care and massage after suture removal or removal of the steristrips

our preferred technique/recommendation

• good planning
• individual therapy plan

Cost

Costs vary greatly depending on the type of tumor, effort, anesthesia, insurance, etc.

The final total price will be determined during the second consultation (=consent) depending on the combinations, desired clinic and room category

reasonable budget

A final cost estimate is only possible and meaningful after a detailed on-site inspection and clarification of individual wishes.

downtime

In general, 2-3 weeks of rest be taken into account – this means specifically:

• lifting no more than 5-6 kg
• no jerky movements
• no irritation of the wound

Important to know…

• better an early assessment and thus no stress when planning and scheduling the operation