The subject of soft-tissue tumors of the extremities, exclusive of epithelial tumors, has not been accorded widespread recognition and discussion for several reasons. Except for the contributions of Stout,1 Pack,2 Cade,3 and Jönsson,4 relatively little has been offered in the literature in the way of information. Stout,1 particularly, has written extensively regarding these tumors and has done much to develop a working classification of the group.
These tumors involve mainly the connective tissues and arise from cells derived from the mesenchyme. I should like to point out that many "tumors" of the soft parts of the extremities are not actually neoplasms. Such conditions as hematomas, cold abscesses, ganglion cysts, and popliteal cysts, all of which are tumors, are not actually neoplasms.
Many of these tumors arise in an insidious manner with little or no pain, but, nevertheless, they are malignant and just as destructive of