Investigations

Thorough and appropriate investigation is essential in planning treatment before surgery.

Soft-tissue lumps are investigated with both radiology (X-ray department) and histology (testing of tissue samples from biopsies). It is not unusual to have these investigations before meeting a surgeon. Doing things in this order helps speed up the diagnosis process. Often, lumps that are initially thought to be a sarcoma, turn out to be benign.

The results of the investigations will be discussed by the team in the MDT meeting where plans for treatment will be made.

The clinical nurse specialist is on hand to offer advice, reassurance and often to relay results and arrangements to each patient.

Before surgery each patient will be seen by the team again in a clinic to explain the proposed plan of action in detail and to answer any questions.