Sarcoma diagnosis

Sarcoma diagnosis is essential to confirm cancer and select appropriate treatment options. It begins with a general examination and a survey about symptoms and family diseases. After that, the oncologist prescribes a series of studies. The first of them may be regular radiography. With its help, doctors can see whether the tumor has spread to the lungs (typical sarcoma metastases). Blood and urine tests tell about the patient's condition and the work of internal organs. Ultrasound of the affected area, lymph nodes, and abdomen reveals tumors and soft tissue metastases. However, sometimes an oncologist needs additional methods to estimate sarcoma prevalence. To get more precise information about the structure of the tumor, its size, and the damage to surrounding organs, a computer or magnetic resonance imaging is prescribed. It can even tell about the type of sarcoma tissue, determine muscle damage, and involvement of blood vessels and nerves in the cancer process. Radionuclide diagnostic methods can also be used. For example, bone scintigraphy. It is assigned to assess the condition of the skeleton and if there are any bone metastases. Finally, a biopsy may be indicated for final diagnosis confirmation. Checking for a small tumor piece in the laboratory makes it easier for oncologists to choose the best treatment tactics.