The Pathologic Diagnosis of Pediatric Soft Tissue Tumors in the Era of Molecular Medicine

[...]molecular testing is becoming more important for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. HANDLING OF PEDIATRIC SOFT TISSUE TUMOR SPECIMENS Depending on the diagnosis and tumor type, specimens obtained for tissue diagnosis must serve multiple objectives: (1) establish the diagnosis, (2) identify features that determine prognosis and/or influence treatment, (3) identify any features of underlying genetic syndromes, and (4) archive materials for future patient care needs, tumor banking, disease registries, research, or clinical trial enrollment. Tissue Volume Surgeons or interventional radiologists frequently ask how much tissue they should obtain, and the answer depends on multiple factors, including tissue viability, cellularity, extent of tumor content, and the anticipated amount needed for potential diagnostic and prognostic testing, tumor banking, research, or clinical trials. [...]77 such cores would be needed to approach 1 g of tissue.5 For this reason, a clear understanding of study requirements and clinical feasibility is important before tissue is obtained.