Patient information

General introduction

Due to the non-specific clinical symptoms and ambiguous radiographic findings the correct diagnostic decision making is usually delayed, thereby prolongating the beginning of an effective therapy. This is partly caused by the extreme rarity of such neoplasms leading to limited experiences which in turn may give rise to misinterpretation. In situations of suspicious clinical findings and in case of unclear diagnosis the patient should not hesitate to contact a musculoskeletal tumor center. Together with all available records, including radiographic images, histopathological reports etc. the patients are referred to a special musculoskeletal cancer ambulance.

Thereby the patients and their relatives have the opportunity to talk to experts on the field of orthopedic oncology surgery. The presumed and preliminary diagnosis in conjunction with the adequate oncological and surgical treatment concept is explained in detail. Further diagnostic steps necessary for definitive diagnostic decision making, e.g. histological verification are scheduled and initiated.

This consultation may serve as an opportunity to gain further information about the diagnosis and the possible options for therapy ("take a second medical opinon/ advice"). On the other hand the transfer to our department and the further diagnostic and therapeutic interdisciplinary management by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Surgery Service and all other oncological disciplines at the Medical center Charité, Humboldt-University of Berlin can be organized.

If you have any questions concerning muskulskeletal tumor diseases and its diagnostic or therapeutic management please do not hesitate to contact us either by e-mail, telephone, mail or by direct presentation of the patient in our special muskuloskeletal tumor surgery ambulance. In urgent or emergency situations direct presentation at the ambulance or emergency room of the department of trauma and reconstructive surgery is possible.