Patients with soft tissue sarcoma are not dismissed after completing the treatment. Regular tracking is as important as the treatment process. With regular follow-up, we can have surgery as early as possible to remove completely the locally recurred or distal metastasized tumor (e.g., to the lung) once we find them.
After surgery, the frequency and time of tracking related to the malignancy of soft tissue sarcoma. In general, the higher the degree of malignancy, the more frequent and longer the tracking time should be!
Regular tracking of general, malignant soft tissue sarcoma
0-2years
Every three months
Tumor site: MRI or ultrasound scan
Lungs: Computer tomography or X-rays scan
3-5years
Every six months
Tumor site: MRI or ultrasound scan
Lungs: Computer tomography or X-rays scan
5 years later
Every twelve months
Tumor site: MRI or ultrasound scan
Lungs: Computer tomography or X-rays scan
Regular tracking of low-level malignant soft tissue sarcoma
0-2years
Every six months
Tumor site: MRI or ultrasound scan
Lungs: Computer tomography or X-rays scan
3-5years
Every twelve months
Tumor site: MRI or ultrasound scan
Lungs: Computer tomography or X-rays scan
5 years later
Every twelve to eighteen months
Tumor site: MRI or ultrasound scan
Lungs: Computer tomography or X-rays scan
Also, most importantly, the regular checking should continue for at least ten years. Don't be careless!
On our web page, we have 'tracking appointment schedule' and 'notice of test results' available for osteoma patients, which can greatly reduce the number of trips patients would spend going to and back from the hospital. We welcome the patients who need regular check-ups to use more!