Neoplasms of the shoulder girdle

The author has briefly discussed radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy in the treatment of some of the more commonly encountered disease entities affecting the shoulder girdle. Specific operations and their indications are discussed. However, utilizing physical and x-ray examination, arteriography, lymphangiography, and bone scan information, the surgeon may decide that the routine operation is not indicated for a particular tumor problem. He should be able to be flexible and to modify the operation according to the specific presenting problem and not be bound by routine fixed rules. In this way the patient can be assured of the very best treatment.