Download PDF
Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2000; Volume 4(Number 1): 0017-0024
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-6852
Copyright © 2000 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel: +1(212)584-4662

Staging of Bone Neoplasms: An Orthopedic Oncologist's Perspective

H. Thomas Temple, Christopher J. Bashore
  • Department ofCaret Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida (HTT); and Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland (CJB)
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

Also available at
  PDF Download  Permissions and Reprints

ABSTRACT

-The process of staging bone tumors is complex. The goal of staging is to define the type of tumor and its extent. Like staging for other neoplasms, it stratefies patients into groups based on prognosis and established treatment protocols. Staging is a multidisciplinary effort involving orthopedic oncologists, musculoskeletal radiologists, and orthopedic pathologists. The diagnosis is often suggested on clinical examination and review of the radiographs. The biopsy usually confirms the clinical and radiographic impression. However, biopsy is difficult and leads to errors in diagnosis in nearly 20% of cases. These errors may make limb salvage impossible and adversely affect survival. For this reason, staging and especially the biopsy should be done in the institution where definitive treatment is planned.

KEYWORD

Bone tumors - staging - imaging - biopsy