Current problems in clinico-morphological assessment of soft tissue tumors

Soft tissue tumors differ in their histology and biological behavior. Irrespectively of changing classification, different grading and staging systems of these lesions are based on similar characteristics and are of comparable clinical value. Electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry and particularly molecular biology facilitate their diagnosis, identification of new tumor entities and provide indicators for their prognosis and strategy of treatment. The new treatment modalities demand tumor characterisation before surgery, whereby sampling of tumor material is of special importance. Fine needle aspiration biopsy, apart of its limitations, is of special value in pre-treatment assessment of soft tissue tumors. Diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue tumors should be performed in cooperation between clinicians and representatives of diagnostic disciplines.