Most surgical pathologists consider the diagnosis of soft tissue neoplasms to be particularly challenging, owing to their relative rarity, their protean appearances and the multiplicity of entities in this field. These difficulties are compounded by the well-known ability of benign soft tissue tumors to mimic sarcomas, and vice versa. Indeed, unlike in most epithelial tissues, which present well-defined tissue compartments and have clear-cut criteria for malignancy, many soft tissue lesions leave even experienced pathologists with such fundamental questions as: Is this benign? Is this malignant? How can I be sure?"

This course will concentrate on the histopathological diagnosis of a group of both benign and reactive soft tissue lesions that may be mistaken for sarcomas, and on a smaller group of sarcomas that by virtue of their deceptively bland histologic features may be mistaken for benign tumors or pseudotumors. Both well-established and newer entities in soft tissue pathology will be discussed. Although the principal focus of this course is on the diagnosis of these various tumors by traditional morphological methods, the use of ancillary techniques such as immunohistochemistry will also be covered in detail, including ways in which such techniques may be of assistance, and their potential pitfalls.

This course will utilize a case study format and is appropriate for senior level residents, fellows and practicing general surgical pathologists. A limited number of loan glass slide sets will be available for advance mailing. All registrants will be mailed a set of transparencies after the meeting. A syllabus will be distributed at the course.