Diagnosis

To diagnose bone or soft tissue tumors, the doctor obtains the patient's personal and family medical history and does a complete physical exam. The doctor may suggest blood tests or radiology studies to learn more about the tumor and its effect on the body. Blood studies can be helpful, especially for infections, but are generally nonspecific.

X rays can show the location, size, and shape of a bone tumor. If X rays suggest that a tumor might be cancer, the doctor may recommend special imaging tests such as a bone scan, a CT (or CAT) scan, an MRI, or PET scan. These tests do not hurt the patient and give different "views" of the tumor. However, a biopsy -- the removal of a sample of tissue from the tumor -- is the only sure way to determine whether cancer is present.

The surgeon may perform a needle (closed) biopsy or an open biopsy. During a needle biopsy, a needle punctures the skin and enters the tumor. A small piece of tissue is removed and analyzed. In an open biopsy, the surgeon cuts into the tumor and removes a sample of tissue. Biopsies are best done by doctors experienced in the diagnosis of cancer. A pathologist -- a doctor who identifies disease by studying cells and tissues under a microscope -- examines the tissue to determine whether it is cancerous.

Contact us!

Vanderbilt Orthopaedic Oncology
Vanderbilt Orthopaedic Institute
Medical Center East, South Tower, Suite 4200
Nashville, TN 37232-8774

615-343-8612
615-343-1028 (Fax)
marla.johnson@vanderbilt.edu