Summary
In order to characterise soft tissue tumours, pathologists often utilise specialised
additional tests, or may seek opinions from subspecialist pathologists due to rarity
or complex morphology. Additionally, further review may be sought by subspecialist
sarcoma pathologists, such as those at our tertiary referral centre in Sydney, Australia.
The aim of this study was to examine the impact on diagnosis and management of this
external review, following diagnosis at a specialised sarcoma unit.
We collated the results of all additional external ancillary tests and specialist
reviews over a 10-year period and characterised the impact on the preliminary diagnosis
as ‘confirmed’, ‘new’ or ‘no clear diagnosis’. We subsequently noted whether the additional
findings resulted in a clinically significant change in management.
Of the 136 cases sent away, 103 patients had their initial diagnosis confirmed, 29
patients received a new diagnosis and, for four patients, the diagnosis remained uncertain.
Nine of the 29 patients receiving a new diagnosis had their management altered.
This study demonstrated that within our specialised sarcoma unit, the majority of
diagnoses provided by our specialist pathologists are confirmed on additional external
testing and review, but external review does provide additional assurance and benefit
to the patient.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 07, 2023
Accepted:
January 14,
2023
Received in revised form:
December 22,
2022
Received:
June 29,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2023 Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
