​

Medical history and physical examination:

Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any relevant risk factors. They will then perform a physical examination to assess the location, size, and characteristics of the suspected tumour.

​

Imaging tests:

Imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, or ultrasound may be used to visualise the tumour, determine its size and location, and assess potential spread to other areas of the body.

​

Biopsy:

To definitively diagnose sarcoma, a biopsy is typically required. This involves removing a sample of the tumour tissue for examination under a microscope. There are different types of biopsies, including needle biopsies, core biopsies, or surgical biopsies, depending on the location and nature of the tumour.

​

Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics:

The biopsy sample is processed in a pathology laboratory where an expert sarcoma pathologist examines it under a microscope. The doctor will evaluate the tissue type, determine if it is benign or malignant, identify the specific subtype of sarcoma, assess its grade (how aggressive the tumour appears) and evaluate the surgical margins.

The diagnosis of sarcoma often involves the use of additional ancillary testing, which includes molecular studies - these are performed to identify diagnostic and predictive biomarkers, which may provide therapeutic targets. All clinically relevant features are incorporated into the pathology report and will guide further management by other members of the Sarcoma multidisciplinary team.

​

Genetic testing:
In some cases, additional genetic testing may be conducted on the tumour sample to further guide patient management.