American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

Which soft tissue sarcoma is considered the most common in adults?

1. Rhabdomyosarcoma

2. Liposarcoma

3. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma

4. Synovial sarcoma

The correct answer is: Malignant fibrous histiocytoma

Liposarcoma is recognized as the most common soft tissue sarcoma in adults. It arises from adipose tissue and has various histological subtypes, making it a prevalent form of sarcoma in this population. This malignancy commonly occurs in the retroperitoneum or extremities and can present diagnostic challenges due to its varied appearance. In contrast, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, once considered common, has largely been reclassified, and its incidence has decreased with better understanding and classification of sarcomas. Rhabdomyosarcoma primarily affects children and young adults and is less common in older populations. Similarly, synovial sarcoma, while it can occur in adults, is not as prevalent as liposarcoma. Thus, when considering the types of soft tissue sarcomas more commonly seen in adults, liposarcoma stands out as the leading type.