How is synovial sarcoma diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, the most conclusive diagnostic procedure for synovial sarcomas is a biopsy, a single tissue sample taken from the tumor through a simple surgical procedure. The tumor’s cellular appearance under a microscope enables doctors to distinguish it from other types of cancer. Your child will likely undergo various imaging studies that will include one or more of the following: • X-ray – a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. X-rays are very useful in the diagnosis of soft tissue tumors and frequently they allow the physician to distinguish benign from malignant tumors. An X-ray is often the first diagnostic study, and often gives the doctor information regarding the need for further testing. • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies and a computer to pro
