Sarcoma Diagnosis & Surgical Treatment in Singapore
Specialist Surgical Care for
Rare Soft Tissue Cancers & Tumors
Sarcoma is a rare class of cancers that arises from the body’s connective tissues—including muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, deep skin tissues, and bone. Because there are over 80 different subtypes of sarcoma, accurate diagnosis and specialized surgical planning are critical to achieving good outcomes.
At Melissa Teo Surgery and The Surgical Oncology Clinic , our surgical team has extensive experience in managing complex soft tissue sarcomas, with a primary focus on abdominal, retroperitoneal, pelvic, and visceral sarcomas.
When Should a Lump Be Evaluated for Sarcoma?
Soft tissue sarcomas often develop silently because they can appear anywhere in the body and rarely cause pain in early stages.
A Growing Lump:
Any soft tissue lump that is increasing in size over weeks or months.
Large Size:
A lump larger than 5 cm.
Deeply Placed:
Lumps situated deep within muscle tissue with normal overlying skin.
Unexplained Abdominal Symptoms:
Persistent bloating, early fullness when eating, or an increasing abdominal girth
Pain or
Numbness:
Occurs when a growing tumor presses against neighboring nerves, blood vessels, or organs.
Crucial Rule: Never attempt to excise a suspicious or deep soft tissue lump without prior imaging and a specialized biopsy. Incomplete “unplanned” excisions significantly increase the risk of cancer recurrence.
Types of Sarcoma We Treat
|
Sarcoma Category |
Description & Subtypes |
Key Surgical Focus |
|---|---|---|
|
Retroperitoneal Sarcoma |
Tumors arising deep in the back of the abdomen (e.g., Liposarcoma, Leiomyosarcoma). |
May require multiviseral resection to ensure clear surgical margins around abdominal organs. |
|
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) |
A specific sarcoma arising from the digestive tract walls (stomach or intestines). |
Laparoscopic or open resection, often combined with targeted systemic therapy. |
|
Trunk & Extremity STS |
Sarcomas in the arms, legs, or chest wall (e.g., Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma, Synovial Sarcoma). |
Limb-sparing surgery maximizing tumor clearance while preserving physical function. |
|
Pelvic & Gynecological Sarcomas |
Sarcomas located within the pelvic cavity or uterine wall (e.g., Uterine Leiomyosarcoma). |
Resection and reconstruction of pelvic organs to ensure clear margins and good quality of life |
Our Multidisciplinary Approach
Because sarcomas are complex and heterogeneous, successful treatment relies on a coordinated Multidisciplinary Tumor Board (MDT) strategy:
1. Specialized Imaging & Biopsy
MRI / CT scans KIV Image-guided Core Needle Biopsy
2. Multidisciplinary Discussion
MRI / CT scans KIV Image-guided Core Needle Biopsy
3. Tailored Multi-Modality Care
MRI / CT scans KIV Image-guided Core Needle Biopsy
Accurate Histological Biopsy:
Performed via surgery or image-guided needle biopsy. Our specialized pathologists analyze molecular markers to determine the exact sarcoma subtype.
Pre-Operative (Neoadjuvant) Therapy:
Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be administered before surgery to shrink high-grade tumors and protect surrounding critical nerves and blood vessels if necessary.
Oncological Surgery:
Complete surgical excision with clear, negative margins (R0 resection)—the single most important factor in preventing local recurrence.
Post-Operative Surveillance:
Structured follow-up schedule using high-resolution imaging scans to monitor long-term recovery
Why Choose Melissa Teo Surgery for Sarcoma Care?
National Sarcoma Leadership:
Our specialists have served on Singapore Cancer Network Sarcoma Guideline Committee and previously co-led Sarcoma and Melanoma service line development at National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS).
Expertise in Complex Abdominal Resections:
Highly skilled in retroperitoneal and pelvic sarcoma surgeries requiring multi-organ resection and vascular reconstruction.
Limb & Organ Preservation Focus:
Advanced surgical techniques aimed at removing tumors cleanly while preserving limbs, organ function, and quality of life.
Integrated Hospital Care:
Accredited across major private hospitals in Singapore (Mt. Elizabeth Novena, Farrer Park Hospital, Gleneagles, Mt. Alvernia) with full ICU and multidisciplinary support.