What to expect from tumour removal surgery for soft tissue sarcoma

Planning is based on the tumour's location, depth, relationship to muscles, nerves and blood vessels, and any imaging findings. The surgeon removes the tumour with surrounding tissue; the size of the margin and whether nearby structures must be moved or reconstructed vary by site. A reconstructive surgeon may help close a larger wound or restore movement.

The specimen goes to pathology so the team can examine the tumour and the edges of the removed tissue. A drain, dressing or temporary restriction on movement may be needed. Physiotherapy often forms part of recovery, especially after surgery in an arm, leg or joint area.

Ask which activities must stop before surgery and arrange help with transport, stairs and daily tasks. Afterward, protect the wound, use mobility aids exactly as instructed and attend dressing, drain and pathology reviews. Rehabilitation should be paced around healing. Tell the team if pain, numbness or weakness makes an exercise difficult rather than pushing through it.

Report fever, increasing redness, discharge, wound separation, worsening pain or new swelling. Seek urgent care for sudden loss of movement or sensation, a cold or pale limb, severe bleeding, chest pain or difficulty breathing.

Ask where the incision will be, which muscles or nerves are nearby, whether reconstruction or a drain is likely, how movement will be protected, when physiotherapy begins, how pathology affects the next step, and which symptoms require an urgent call.