Description
This VTT format presents a lecture delivered by Tom Cosker, an orthopedic surgeon at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford. The talk serves as an introduction to sarcoma surgery, emphasizing the unique challenges posed by sarcomas due to their rarity and variety. Cosker explains that sarcomas can affect patients of all ages—highlighting a case involving a three-month-old and another involving a 103-year-old patient. He discusses the complexity involved in diagnosing sarcomas, with about 70 histological subtypes.
The lecture progresses to cover diagnostic approaches, the underlying biological behaviors of tumors, and the importance of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) in managing sarcoma cases. Cosker stresses the necessity of maintaining a high index of suspicion for sarcomas, particularly in masses or unusual bone lesions. He illustrates the diagnostic process with examples, including imaging techniques and histopathology, and offers insights into the best surgical practices for tumor excision and limb preservation. Cosker advocates for timely referrals and emphasizes the importance of patient outcomes through early detection and treatment.
Throughout the presentation, Cosker incorporates various case studies and radiographic examples, engaging the audience in the practicalities and complexities of sarcoma management. He provides an overview of surgical strategies, including wide local excision and the use of adjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy, while reflecting on the continuing evolution of treatment options. The lecture culminates with a call to action for ongoing collaboration within the healthcare team to improve survival rates for patients with sarcoma.