How should orthopaedic oncologists prevent unplanned resections of soft tissue sarcomas by general practitioners?

Excerpt

Unlike other orthopaedic fields, the disease encountered in the field of musculoskeletal oncology can be life-threatening. It is therefore necessary for orthopaedic oncologists to have a sound grasp of their discipline, and to have skill and expertise when managing their patients. In recent years, there has been a tendency for patients with musculoskeletal sarcomas to be treated at specialist clinics, and therefore orthopaedic general practitioners have fewer opportunities to gain experience in musculoskeletal oncology. However, it is extremely likely that patients with a serious sarcoma will first visit a local clinic and consult a general practitioner. Therefore it is obvious that the prognosis of such patients would be significantly affected by the initial responses of the general practitioner they consult. Against this background, the main theme for the 45th Annual Musculoskeletal Tumor Meeting of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association in 2012 is “Reconfirmation of basic knowlege of orthopaedic oncology – The importance of a good working relationship between general practitioners and specialists”. …