Diagnostic procedures for evaluation of sarcomas of soft tissue and bone in childhood.

A wide spectrum of procedures are available to physicians to assist in the establishment of the diagnosis and extent of disease in soft tissue and bone sarcomas in childhood. Some of these, including computerized tomography, require further evaluation for full assessment of their value for specific sites. A physician must keep in mind the possibility of hazards, such as radiation exposure or complications of invasive procedures, when selecting an approach to diagnosis. Proliferation of effective procedures requires the exercise of care and sound judgment to prevent unnecessary duplication, waste and, in some instances, increased morbidity.