How we approach soft tissue & retroperitoneal sarcoma in Thane
A lump in the thigh, arm or trunk, or a deep abdominal mass found on a scan, is often assumed to be a harmless fatty lump. Most are, but a small proportion are sarcomas. The most important rule in sarcoma care is to avoid a quick "lump removal" before a proper scan and biopsy, because an operation done without a plan can leave cancer cells behind and make later surgery harder.
Retroperitoneal sarcomas grow silently in the space behind the abdominal organs and can become very large before causing symptoms. Surgery aims at complete removal with a margin, sometimes together with an adjacent organ such as the kidney or part of the colon when it is attached. This is a high-skill operation that is planned with detailed imaging and a team discussion, and Dr. Yogesh Bansod provides this planning and surgery within a multidisciplinary framework.
Conditions we assess and treat
- Liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma
- Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma
- Desmoid tumours
- Retroperitoneal masses
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST)
- Nerve sheath tumours
- Recurrent sarcoma
- Large or fast-growing lumps needing diagnosis
A lump you should have scanned before surgery
- A lump larger than about 5 cm, or one that is growing
- A deep lump under the muscle rather than just beneath the skin
- A lump that is painful, or that returns after earlier removal
- Unexplained abdominal fullness, swelling or a heavy feeling
- Leg swelling or back pain with no clear cause
- A mass found incidentally on an ultrasound or CT
Having one of these does not mean you have cancer. It means you should have it checked by a specialist.
How the diagnosis is made
- MRI for limb and trunk lumps, and contrast CT for abdominal masses
- Image-guided core biopsy planned along the line of future surgery
- Chest CT to look for lung spread
- Pathology review, with molecular tests where needed
- Tumour board discussion before any operation
Treatment options with Dr. Yogesh Bansod
Wide excision with limb preservation
Removing the sarcoma with a margin of healthy tissue while preserving the limb and its function wherever possible.
Retroperitoneal resection
Planned en-bloc removal of deep abdominal sarcomas, with adjacent organs when required for clear margins.
Radiotherapy and systemic therapy
Pre-operative radiotherapy or chemotherapy for selected tumours to improve the chance of complete removal.
Second opinion before surgery
Review of scans, biopsy and pathology slides before any operation, particularly if you have already been advised "simple removal".
Surveillance
Regular clinical review and scans, as some sarcomas can return years later.
Cancer care close to home in Thane
Because sarcomas are rare, many general surgeons see only a few in a career. If a lump has been found in Thane or elsewhere in the region, a pre-operative opinion from a surgical oncologist is a sensible step, and it costs little compared with the consequence of an unplanned operation. Bring your ultrasound, MRI or CT films along to the visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lump always a lipoma if it is soft and painless?
No. Most soft lumps are lipomas, but size, depth, growth and scan features matter. A lump larger than 5 cm, or one that is growing or deep, should be scanned before being removed.
What is a retroperitoneal sarcoma?
It is a tumour that grows in the retroperitoneum, the area behind the abdominal cavity near the kidneys and large blood vessels. It often reaches a large size before it causes symptoms.
Why is a biopsy needed before removing a lump?
Biopsy tells the surgeon what the lump is, which decides whether to operate, whether other treatment should come first, and how wide the operation must be.
Can sarcoma surgery save my limb?
In most patients with limb sarcoma, limb-sparing surgery is possible, sometimes with radiotherapy. Amputation is rarely required.
Can a sarcoma come back after surgery?
Some can, especially if the margins were not clear. That is why complete planned removal and regular follow-up scans are important.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.