Proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma of the groin: Clinical experience and literature review

Epithelioid sarcoma (ES) is a rare soft tissue tumor that mainly occurs under the skin of the extremities. ES in the groin area may be easily misdiagnosed with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and other mesenchymal tumors. Herein, we reported a single case of a patient with proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma of the groin, including its clinical and imaging findings. We also discussed some previously reported similar cases.

Our ES patient was a 24-year-old male who developed a subcutaneous nodule in the groin area 1 year before admission. After careful clinical and pathological examination, the patient was diagnosed with ES. He received chemotherapy (doxorubicin, ifosfamide plus cisplatin) and, later on, surgery. His symptoms improved, and he is still being followed up. In addition, we conducted a review of the literature and compared our data with 12 previously reported similar cases (including 17 patients with ES involving the groin).

ES is a highly invasive tumor prone to metastasis and postoperative recurrence. Surgery seems to be the most effective treatment for ES. The effectiveness of auxiliary and radiotherapy needs to be confirmed by a large amount of data. A systematic understanding of the clinical and imaging features of ES in the groin area may help clinical and imaging doctors to correctly diagnose the disease.