Importância da análise histopatológica no diagnóstico de sarcoma de tecidos moles

The present work aimed to inform on the importance of diagnosis through histopathological analysis of a grade II soft tissue sarcoma in a mixed breed female dog. Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a type of malignant neoplasm that originates from mesenchymal tissues, affecting several species, but is more prevalent in medium-sized and elderly dogs. Clinical signs are variable and depend on the location of the tumor, generally occurring in the pelvic limbs. In the present report, the patient in question had a history of a subcutaneous mass measuring 30 cm in diameter, weighing 5 kg, located on the right flank and pelvic limb. Therefore, the diagnosis was initiated through laboratory and cytopathological tests; however, definitive confirmation was obtained through histopathological analysis, confirming the diagnosis. Therefore, histopathological diagnosis is extremely important in determining the prognosis and choosing the most effective treatment, with surgical resection being the most indicated treatment for these cases. Although the prognosis is generally favorable after complete removal of the neoplastic mass, factors such as size, location and grade of the tumor significantly influence clinical results, as in the case discussed, thus reinforcing the need for a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and treatment of STS, in order to promote quality of life for patients.